candgnews.com APRIL 18, 2024 Vol. 20, No. 8
0473-2414
start planning flower beds for the season 12A
Nicholas Russo named new RCS superintendent BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com
ROCHESTER — The Rochester Community Schools district has a new leader. The RCS Board of Education voted April 8 to approve the superintendent contract for Nicholas Russo, which passed with a majority vote of 5-1. Trustee Carol Beth Litkouhi abstained from the vote, saying she wanted more time to review the specifics of the contract, while Trustee Andrew Weaver voted against the motion. “I think there are too many unanswered questions for a situation as big as this,” Weaver said. Russo will begin his term as superintendent July 1. His two-year contract includes an annual salary of $235,000, a Russo $10,000 annuity, a reassignment clause and just-cause termination. The board will also need to vote each year to approve an extension of the agreement, if they so desire. “I am deeply honored and excited to lead a teaching and learning community that values tradition, student achievement and excellence. Working alongside dedicated Rochester Community School District teachers, administrators, staff, parents, caregivers and community partners is an incredible opportunity,” Russo said in a statement. “Together, we can build strong relationships that lay the foundation for student success.” Russo brings over 26 years of leadership in education, most recently serving as assistant superintendent of human resources for
SMART Route 492 serves Auburn Hills, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Troy, Clawson, Royal Oak and Ferndale. Photo provided by SMART
SMART adds new bus route through Rochester, Rochester Hills ROCHESTER/ROCHESTER HILLS — Public transit is coming to the Rochester area this month. On April 22, the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation will unveil its latest addition to the region’s network, Route 492 — a fixed
bus route serving Auburn Hills, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Troy, Clawson, Royal Oak and Ferndale. Dwight Ferrell, the general manager of SMART, said the introduction of Route 492 marks “a significant milestone” in SMART’s ongoing efforts to expand transportation options and foster community connections. See SMART on page 16A
See RUSSO on page 18A
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BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com