Mike Oberhaus
Michael Oberhaus, a graduate of the ACI program, has been the Associate Superintendent for Operations and Quality for the Rock Island School District #41 for 21 years. Since the late 1970’s this district has experienced a decline in student enrollment, which has, in turn, called for staff reductions. Most recently, according to Oberhaus, this decline has resulted in the need to complete a comprehensive, long-range facility study, focusing on school size and number of schools, grade configuration and school choice options.
Michael Oberhaus stated that while conducting research with the Educational Leadership Department at Western Illinois University, he determined that 13 variables could be linked to effective school facilities and instruction. These variables are placed into a weighted matrix, and then used to score various potential school configurations for the district. After this, a perception model and regression model, using the 13 variables, can be used to provide data to frame possible recommendations for long-range solutions. Additionally, a survey of stakeholders is to be conducted to provide a third data set for framing the final decision. What all of this means, in English, is that his time here at Western has increased his ability to determine what is best for the district he works for, using strict research instead of just gut-feelings. This is important because it ensures that no extra dollars have to come out of the budget to fix mistakes in the implementation of theories.
Michael Oberhaus, on a personal note, has been married to his wife, Sue, for 27 years, and has two children, ages 22 and 23. He is a member and a past president of the Rock Island Noon Optimist Club, a Special Olympics Coach for 12 years, a member of the Board of Directors, and former chairman of the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center.
When told that he could say anything about his family, career, or just life in general, Mike stated that he would like to conclude with a phrase that he offers to anyone looking for help or guidance:
“Lest we forget, remember to stand in their shoes before rendering judgment.”