“I have accepted a position with the Cornerstone Schools in Detroit to be the CEO of their newly formed charter management company,” Sommers wrote. “I am excited about this new opportunity to build upon the 18-year history of Cornerstone’s academic excellence as an independent school as it seeks to transition to a series of charter schools to help Detroit children have excellent opportunities in life.”
Sommers said Thursday that leaving Butler Tech after eight years wasn’t going to be easy, but the opportunity was “too good to pass up.”
Sommers said he will be relocating as of March 1, and that the private-sector school group he’ll be working with places a strong emphasis on academics.
“The entire focus is on student success,” Sommers said. “It is a perfect match of philosophy, because they understand my vision of treating schools like a business.”
Joan Powell, one of two Lakota school board members that will represent the district on the Butler Tech board in 2010, said she was surprised by Sommers’ decision, “although I did know that Bob was interviewing and looking for another round of opportunities.
“I really believe that he’ll be greatly missed at Butler Tech. It’s been his exceptional vision and leadership that has really helped drive Butler Tech to the position it holds right now as the leader in career education,” she said.
Sommers’ departure not only creates a vacancy at Butler Tech, but leaves a hole in Middletown’s superintendent search, where Sommers was one of three finalists .
Powell, who has served on the Butler Tech board for two years, said no decisions have been made on the next steps for finding a new CEO for Butler Tech.
Sommers encouraged his staff to continue their good work.
“My departure doesn’t change Butler Tech’s mission and goals,” he wrote. “These are clearly spelled out in the board’s new strategic plan and the programs and processes necessary to continue your work are solidly established. The work is as critical as ever and I ask each of you to forge ahead with all due urgency.”
Staff writer Denise Wilson contributed to this story.
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