The Oklahoma City Public School District Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a contract to engage veteran educator Robert Neu to lead the state's largest school district.

Neu joins OKCPS from Federal Way Public Schools, a minority-majority school district situated between Seattle and Tacoma, Washington.  His start date with the District is set for July, but he anticipates transitioning into his new role by visiting Oklahoma City in May and June.

"The energy, excitement and community support in Oklahoma City is incredible," said Neu. "I am impressed with the passage of the MAPS sales tax to rebuild downtown and renovate the schools. This is an amazing opportunity for me and my family to join a positive, forward thinking community that has invested so heavily in its children." said Neu.

Neu, 52, has 25 years' experience in education with a proven track record of developing programs that support the education needs of the whole child. He holds a B.S. from Eastern Michigan University, a master's in secondary school administration from Central Michigan University and an education specialist degree from Oakland University. Neu served two terms on the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals, was a finalist for the 1998 Michigan Assistant Principal of the Year and was selected Michigan Basketball Coach of the Year in 2000.

During his 4-year tenure with Federal Way Public Schools, Neu:

• Increased student SAT test participation from 25 to 94 percent;
• Developed alternatives to suspension/expulsion resulting in a 65 percent decrease in student expulsions (brand new data);
• Implemented an academic acceleration program which identifies high performing students and enrolled them in advanced placement courses at unprecedented numbers. 200 percent district-wide increase

"The Board of Education has given me a great opportunity to improve the learning environment and achieve great success for the students in Oklahoma City, said Neu. "I am looking forward tobringing Kelly down as soon as possible to meet all of the people who make the District so special," added Neu.

"As the board progressed through the interviews, it was evident that Mr. Neu was the clear choice to lead our District," said Lynne Hardin, OKCPS Board of Education Chairperson. He is focused on educating the whole child and creating innovative ways that make school and education relevant for students. "We look forward to him joining our District and focusing on the need for increased rigor and improve  education for all our students," added Hardin.

As superintendent of Oklahoma City Public Schools, Neu will oversee 46,000 students and lead 5,000 employees. 

His contract is effective July 1 and renewable annually for an initial three-year period.  He will be paid a $240,000 salary; along with an annual $10,000 car allowance and $25,000 in annuities. 

Rob and his wife Kelly have six school aged children:  (Cassie, 17; Josie, 16; Emmie, 14; Gracie, 12; Addie, 10 and Wyatt, 8).   Kelly is a former educator and highly successful high school volleyball coach in Michigan.  She, (and the children) who are equestrians in saddleseat style competitions, operate a 40-horse training and stable operation, including five ten horses owned by the Neu family. 

The Oklahoma City Public School staff and the community will have an opportunity to meet the new superintendent during a series of visits starting in May and June.