'Dr. Joe' Yomtoob returns to Willow Run Schools as consultant
Former Willow Run schools Superintendent Yousef "Joe" Yomtoob, a popular leader in the district in the 1990s, is back.
Yomtoob was hired last week to serve as a special consultant to the school board. Yomtoob served as superintendent in Willow Run for about seven years, leaving in 1995 to become a superintendent in an Illinois school district.
He’ll be working on a variety of projects for the board, said school board President Sheri Washington.
“Dr. Joe has always come back to the district to help,” Washington said. “He still has close ties to the community.”
Yomtoob, who recently retired from his full-time position in Illinois, has come back yearly to hand out awards to students who show improvement in achievement. He was back this spring to hand those out.
“I was honored to be invited back. Willow Run has a special place in my heart. I see a very bright future for Willow Run schools and their students,” Yomtoob said. “A lot of people remember me, which is amazing. It is a good feeling coming back,”
Yomtoob will join a crowded leadership field at Willow Run, a struggling district facing lots of challenges.
Earlier this fall, the school board transferred controversial Superintendent Doris Hope-Jackson out of her role as the district’s leader after she was gone for several weeks due to medical issues suffered in a car accident. She is now working in a newly created position as the director of information and assessment.
The board appointed Laura Lisiscki as the acting superintendent.
The district is currently operating under a state-mandated plan to eliminate a deficit of more than $3 million. It has a low graduation rate and has struggled to boost student achievement.
Several top-level administrators - including the director of finances - have left recently.
“The board saw a need for some help as they approach several key projects,” Washington said. “Dr. Jackson couldn’t handle all the roles and Laura can’t either.”
Yomtoob’s contract runs through April 30 and has a $22,500 cap on it. Washington said he won’t be in the district every day, but will be around several days a week working on several issues. He has already held a couple of committee meetings.
“I feel he was received well by the community,” Washington said.
David Jesse covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at davidjesse@annarbor.com or at 734-623-2534.
Comments
d obryan
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 1:56 p.m.
doris jackson should never been brought here.the district is in debt.the district has laid off teachers,but district still hires out side help.when your in debt you eliminate the dead wood.not willow run.willow run keeps making stupid choices,they wont listen to the community.they expect people to bring their children to their district.the class rooms are over crowded,the board evades serious questions.the district is at its braking point,im ready to see the state take over. i have a child at willow run.im ready to take him out. 37 children in one class room is unacceptable. WE NEED MICHGAN TO TAKE OVER QUICK
mama247
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 10:23 a.m.
Dr. Joe Yomtoob IS a good guy, and was respected in the community more than any of the subsequent eight superintendents until the current acting superintendent (who still receives her principal's salary), Laura Lisiscki. Perhaps some of Dr. Joe's wages could come from Doris Hope-Jackson's inflated salary (she's still receiving her superintendent's pay despite her job doing data processing)? No, that would make too much sense..... unfortunately, Ms. Hope-Jackson hasn't got any sense or heart for the district.
Cash
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 7:16 a.m.
Welcome home, Doctor Joe!! We love you!! Never have you been more needed. Please help to straighten out this mess and end the frustration that we, the taxpayers of the district, feel. The district has been spinning out of control and now it seems worse than ever. Here is what we see: Embarrassing articles about an out of control school board. Embarrassing articles about the teachers union running the show. Embarrassing articles about the leadership unable to lead. And, oh yes, when the teachers WANT our support for their contract/agenda, we see them marching through our subdivision. Please save this district or take it off of life support and pronounce it dead.
YPboyWRheart
Mon, Jan 25, 2010 : 6:52 a.m.
Close two buildings. Bring back laid off teachers. Save money from the buildings you don't need. Keep the good teachers you do need.