.png "ROS Announces new super")
The Royal Oak Schools Board of Education announced the appointment of Dr. Tafelski as the next Superintendent of Schools, effective July 1, 2025 on May 16, 2025. This appointment is subject to successful contract negotiations.
Dr. John Tafelski will succeed Mary Beth Fitzpatrick, retiring after 8 years as Superintendent on July 31, 2025.
"We are pleased to welcome Dr. John Tafelski to our district," said Tim Ciechorski, President of the Royal Oak Schools School Board. "His experience, vision, and commitment to student success made him our choice for this important role. We are confident he will lead our district to continued growth and success."
Dr. Tafelski currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction at Allen Park Public Schools, where he also oversees state and federal programs and serves as the McKinney-Vento Liaison. With a focus on ensuring an aligned, guaranteed, and viable curriculum, he has led efforts to implement sound instructional practices that actively engage students in learning.
He earned his Doctor of Education from Michigan State University in 2016, with a dissertation focused on student engagement—an area that continues to drive his leadership philosophy. Before joining Allen Park, Dr. Tafelski served as principal of Crestwood High School in Dearborn Heights. Under his leadership, Crestwood was named one of Michigan’s Top 50 High Schools (#25) by U.S. News & World Report and received the Excellence in Education Award from the Michigan Association of School Boards in 2013. His career in education began as a business education teacher and coach at Annapolis High School in Dearborn Heights, where he taught and coached football and track.
The Board extends sincere thanks to all those who contributed to the superintendent search process. From students and staff to families and community members, the input and engagement from across the district played a vital role in this important decision.
“We would also like to thank Superintendent Mary Beth Fitzpatrick for her years of leadership and dedication to the entire Royal Oak Community.”