RONALD R. RUSSO, ESQ.
Retirement has allowed me time to review various school systems and identify their most successful aspects. Using my science, business, and legal training along with 40-plus years in public and nonpublic school administration, I merged the productive operations into a comprehensive "BOLD PLAN." People are recognizing the effects a quality education has on an individual and community's wealth and well-being. Parents have been identified as the customers and partners of the education for their children. Delaware is positioned for economic growth if strategic adjustments are made to its public school system. Don't fight the system; change it!
Professional Focus: The Business of Education.
Philosophy: Teaching is a profession, but education is a business that supports teaching. Parents are the customers who hold the schools accountable. Chief Administrators must create a culture of success that permeates the entire operation and maximizes every student.
Systemic Change Record: Charter School of Wilmington (Delaware’s first charter school) was rated by U.S. News and World Report as one of the Nation’s best 100 public schools. Using a school-wide performance bonus system, it had the state’s highest-paid teachers. After fourteen years CSW had accumulated an unrestricted operating surplus of $3.4 million using the BOLD PLAN i.e., a systemic change to public schools’ operations.
Other Administrative Activities: Member of the Governor’s Advisory Council for Exceptional Citizens; Trustee for the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges; Chairman of the State’s Secondary School Athletic Association; President of Corpus Christi Parish Council; Member of the Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission for the Town of Elsmere; Former Senior Education Advisor and Executive Director of the Caesar Rodney Institute; Recipient of a University of Delaware’s Lerner “Fabulous 50” MBA Alumni Award; and Candidate for the State Senate 1992.
Professional Educational Experience: Founding President, Charter School of Wilmington 1995 – 2009; Principal, St. Mark’s High School 1977 – 1995; Assistant Principal 1969 – 1977; Physics/Math teacher, St. Elizabeth High School 1967 – 1969; Dean of Students 1968 – 1969.
Education: B.S. Physics, St. Joseph University; MBA Personnel Administration, University of Delaware; J.D., Widener University, admitted to the Delaware Bar 1982.
EMAIL: RonRRusso@Gmail.com
