Royal Oak school officials will begin in-person interviews with a pool of candidates for the superintendent position this week.

During a special meeting Friday, the Board of Education reviewed a pool of 25 applicants and selected four candidates to advance to the first round of interviews. The board is working in partnership with the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB), with Rodney Green serving as the search consultant.

First-round interviews will be held in person at the Board Meeting Room located at 800 DeVillen Street. Interviews will take place over two evenings, beginning at 5:30 p.m. each night and are open to the public. Candidates include:

Tuesday, May 13

5:30 p.m. – Catherine Kochanski, MA, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services, Walled Lake Public Schools. According to information provided by Royal Oak school officials, she is a former principal in Rochester and Brandon who spent 15 years teaching in Troy.

6:45 p.m. – Meghan Ashkanani, Ed.S., Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning, and Technology, Berkley School District. She is a former principal in Berkley who spent 17 years teaching in Novi.

Wednesday, May 14

5:30 p.m. – John Tafelski, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Allen Park Public Schools. He is a former high school principal and business teacher in Dearborn Heights.

6:45 p.m. – Joseph Youanes, Ed.D. Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction. He has Royal Oak ties, having worked as principal at Addams Elementary as well as an assistant principal at Royal Oak Middle School. He is a former teacher in Troy.

Following the initial interviews, an open house will be held for finalists on Thursday, May 16 at 3:30 p.m., with second-round interviews taking place later that evening.

The Royal Oak board expects to appoint a new superintendent by July 1.

“This selection marks a pivotal moment in shaping the future of Royal Oak Schools and upholding the district’s vision of a Community of Excellence and its mission to nurture growth-minded, adaptable students in a safe, inclusive, and student-first environment,” a district release announcing the candidates stated.

Superintendent Mary Beth Fitzpatrick announced her retirement effective July 31. The board accepted her letter during a March 13 meeting.

For updates and more information, visit royaloakschools.org.