Fraser Public Schools Superintendent Selected as Candidate for Rochester Position

The superintendent of Fraser Public Schools has been chosen as one of four semi-finalists in Rochester Community Schools' search for its next administrative leader.

Dr. David Richards, who has served as superintendent of Fraser for the past two years, was selected as a finalist along with administrators from West Bloomfield, Warren and Durand area school districts. 

A Clinton Township resident, Richards was the principal of Fraser High School for five years, where he created and oversaw a coffee-shop-style meeting place for students to socialize and do homework after school. From 1995-2005, he served as the director of educational technology and information systems for Rochester Schools. Before that, he was a teacher for Belding Area Schools.

As the superintendent in Fraser, Richards oversees 5,356 students and a $51 million budget. Under his leadership, the district developed and passed a $19.9 million technology bond proposal and implemented a 1:1 iPad initiative.

"Dr. Richards has a mindset that all problems CAN be solved and everybody has something good to offer," state Gerry Gauthier, president of the Fraser Public Schools Board of Education, in a letter of recommendation. "His positive demeanor is contagious."

Richards earned a bachelor's degree from Central Michigan, and advanced degrees from Grand Valley State University and Oakland University.

The candidates were chosen by Rochester Board of Education members this week. They will be interviewed in two public meetings next month: 7 p.m. Jan. 7 and 9.

For a complete bio and full candidate application packets, visit the "Superintendent Search" area on the Rochester Community Schools home page.