Gail Kemler Celebrates a Century

Rochester is marking the 200th anniversary of its founding this year, and local resident Gail Kemler has witnessed almost half of the town’s two centuries of history. Kemler, of Rochester Hills, is planning to celebrate her 100th birthday at the end of this month, in the company of scores of family and friends. Gail Johnson Kemler was born October 28, 1917 in Brookfield, Illinois, where her father worked on a railroad line. When Kemler was four years old, her mother became seriously ill and … [Read more...]

Rochester Schools to pay Clarke severance

The severance package for outgoing Rochester Community Schools Superintendent Fred Clarke could cost the district up to $180,934 if he doesn’t find another job soon. On Monday, the board of education formally accepted Clarke’s resignation and appointed Tresa Zumsteg, Ph. D. as Interim Superintendent. Under Clarke’s severance agreement, he will be paid for 35 vacation days and will receive severance pay equivalent to the amount of salary he would have been paid if he had remained employed … [Read more...]

School board selects interim superintendent

The Rochester Board of Education voted Monday to enter into contract negotiations with a candidate for interim superintendent. Tresa Zumsteg, Ph.D. was chosen by a board committee to replace outgoing Superintendent Fred Clarke, who over the summer announced his intention to find another job. He has not yet resigned, so it’s not yet known when Zumsteg will start. Zumsteg will be paid on a per diem basis to work alongside Clarke getting ready to take over. Once Clarke leaves, she will … [Read more...]

Rochester school-board candidates square off

Four of the five candidates for three seats on the Rochester Community Schools Board of Education took part in a fast-paced forum Monday sponsored by the League of Women Voters. The candidates answered questions submitted by the public on everything from the latest state initiatives to the Pledge of Allegiance. With only one incumbent, Beth Talbert, in the race, the board will seat at least two newcomers in the Nov. 8 election. The challengers are Tom Malysz, Jeremy Nielson, Jane Pierobon and … [Read more...]

New school superintendent prepares to take reins

Frederick Clarke begins his tenure as Rochesterschool superintendent July 1. But he’s been spending the early part of his summer vacation getting ready for the job. Clarke was hired away from Albion Public Schools by unanimous vote of the Rochester Board of Education to replace Dave Pruneau, who is retiring. Clarke and his family have found a place to rent while they put their current house on the market.  Older son Freddy, 15, will be attending Stony Creek High School this fall. Younger son … [Read more...]

School Board Sends Renaming Policy Back for More Work- With Video

Four months after Army Sgt. Ed Nowicki asked the Rochester Board of Education to rename a school after a fallen local soldier, the board and administration are working on establishing policy so they can formally consider the request. Though a bit surprised it’s taking this long, Nowicki said he’s patient and committed to seeing his request through. He’s convinced that the actions of First Lt. Adam Malson, who was killed in Iraq in 2005, merit such an honor. “Everyone who hears the story … [Read more...]