Cheatham County School Board held interviews for the Cheatham County Director of Schools position on Monday, April 3 and Tuesday, April 4, 2017. Six potential candidates were interviewed, including two internal applicants, Interim Director of Schools Stacy Brinkley and Dr. Beth Batson.
Six potential applicants were interviewed by members of Cheatham County School Board and three finalists were selected; they include Dr. Catherine Beck, Dr. Michael Schaffer and Dr. Michael Steele.
Cheatham County School Board will conduct a final interview with the top 3 finalists on Monday, April 10, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. Prior to interviews a “Meet And Greet” will be held at 3:30 p.m. for the community to meet Dr. Beck, Dr. Schaffer and Dr. Steele. (Scroll down to learn more about each of the top three candidates.)
Candidate selected as the new director of schools will be announced at the Cheatham County School Board meeting scheduled for May 1, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.
Interviews, “Meet and Greet” and Cheatham County School Board meeting will all be held at Ashland City Elementary School in the Annex Board Room located at 108 Elizabeth Street, Ashland City, Tennessee 37015. The public is invited, welcomed and encouraged to attend.
MEET THE TOP 3 FINALISTS FOR CHEATHAM COUNTY DIRECTOR OF SCHOOLS:
DR. CATHERINE BECK
- Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Learning, Summit county School District, Frisco, Colorado since 2015
- Adjunct Professor, Concordia University since December 2013
- Principal Summit County School District for five (5) years
- Elementary Principal Summit County School District approximately five (5) years
- High School Principal, Lake County School District, 2008-2011
- Director of Curriculum, Lake County School District, 2007-2008
- Director of Lake County School District, 2005-2007
- Elementary Teacher, Lauderdale County Schools, 15 years, 1989-2005
- Doctorate earned from Argosy University
- Masters Degree from University of Pheonix
- Bachelor’s Degree from University of North Alabama
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-catherine-beck-81303b60
DR. MICHAEL SCHAFFER
- Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership, Program Ranked #6 nationally at Ball Sate University, Fort Wayne, Indiana for 12 years
- Assistant Superintendent for three (3) years, 2012-2015
- Principal of Lincoln Elementary School, Fort Wayne Community Schools for four (4) years (2008-2012)
- 2011 Schaffer was Awarded National Title I Distinguished School Award after achieving highest test scores in school history and making Adequate Yearly Progress.
- Assistant Superintendent of Elwood Community School Corporation for one (1) year from (2007-2008)
- Military Intelligence Analyst, Army National Guard for approximately three and a half (3 1/2) years (1988-1991)
- Combat Engineer, Army National Guard for over two (2) years (1985-1988)
- ADDITIONAL TRAINING-
- Culturally Responsive Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports
- The 8 Step Process (intense date use for school and district improvement)
- Teacher evaluation and support and has evaluated principals at the district level.
DR. MICHAEL STEELE
- Executive Principal, Executive Director of Stratford STEM Magnet School in Nashville, Tennessee since 20102010 he initiated a transformation of a prioritized state school
- 2010 $386 thousand dollars was awarded in scholarships to Stratford graduates
- 2016 approximately $6 million dollars was awarded in scholarships to Stratford graduates. http://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/contributors/2016/11/25/reviving-stratford-high-meant-asking-help/93922034/
- Graduation rate increased from 64.9% in 2011 to 86.1% in 2016
- College readiness benchmarks, according to the state department of education, rose from 0% to 8.7%.
- Awarded High School STEM Leadership Award from the International Association for STEM Leaders in 2014. https://mnpschildrenfirst.com/2014/05/02/stratford-principal-wins-major-stem-award, www.stem-leaders.com/stem-stars-showcase/michael-steele
- Veteran of The United States Marine Corps
- Former law enforcement officer, ten (10) years
- Experience in Education, nine (9) years – including five (5) years in administration
- Special Education Teacher
- Guidance Counselor
- Doctorate from Lipscomb University
- Masters degree from Troy University
http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/metro-names-new-principal-stratford-high
Cheatham News congratulates Dr. Catherine Beck, Dr. Michael Schaffer and Dr. Michael Steele on being selected as the top three candidates for Cheatham County Director of Schools.
Cheatham News (c) 2017
