Superintendent of Catholic Schools Michael Rockers(HCH file photo)
Nurturing partnerships
By Anna Weaver
Hawaii Catholic Herald
Michael Rockers became Hawaii Catholic Schools superintendent in Aug. 2011 but has 43 total years of experience in Catholic education including as a teacher, principal and superintendent in Catholic school systems on the Mainland. He leaves the job at the end of June.
The Herald spoke with Rockers about lessons learned and what he’ll miss about the islands as he retires to Arkansas to be near family.
What are you most proud of from your time with the Hawaii Catholic Schools office?
That’s a loaded question since I am utterly aware that the Lord is in control and any program or plan that has been of benefit to the Catholic schools in Hawaii is due to his providential care and the work of many good people.
That being said, I am very pleased with the partnerships my office has established and nurtured over the past nine years, which have been a blessing to our schools. Those include a close collaboration with Chaminade University, which helped establish catechetical institutes, the “Teacher of the Year” award, the “Innovation Award,” and to provide a quality review of the Hawaii Catholic Schools office’s goals, objectives and communications.
It includes many foundation partners, which have provided the HCS office with more than $1.5 million in grants in nine years to support preschool education and improve pedagogy and develop new curriculum standards. It also includes the private Catholic schools, the Augustine Educational Foundation and their good work, Jayne Mondoy with the Office of Religious Education and the work we did together to support lay ecclesial ministry training and certification.
There are also other collaborators such as the diocesan Board of Education, the marketing committee, the American Heart Association, Kamehameha Schools, the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools, and the Western Catholic Educational Association. These agencies and many others have been great partners with the HCS office.
Most importantly, I hope I have kept a consistent focus on the faith development and Catholic culture of our schools. Through God’s grace, if I have helped them remain truly Catholic and experience the Kingdom of God while educating their students — that is what I would be most proud of accomplishing.
What are you leaving as an unfinished goal or goals that you hope the next superintendent can help accomplish?
I consistently hear from principals and pastors with schools that regional boards need to be developed which have the expertise and authority to provide quality strategic planning and to support our parish and school leadership in areas such as technology, marketing, financial management and institutional advancement. This has begun to happen but needs to move forward. This can happen and still support many of the good points found in the site-based management that has been a hallmark of our parochial schools.
What are your plans after retirement?
I don’t plan to work any longer. My plan is to be the best husband, dad and grandpa I can be. Lori and I will be leaving for the Mainland soon after June 30. We have four children and 19 grandkids, most of whom live near Little Rock, Arkansas. We plan to live near them in a retirement community called Hot Springs Village. I might even play a little golf (smile).
What will you miss the most about Hawaii?
The beauty of Hawaii is amazing. I have never gotten used to waking up each morning and being in “paradise.” However, it is not the scenery or the weather that has made my time here a little bit of heaven. It is the people. I will miss all those I have been blessed to work alongside in the HCS office. I will never forget Barbara Yamasaki’s consistent kindness, support and sense of humor. I’ll miss my friends and coworkers in the diocesan offices. I will miss our pastors, principals and teachers. I will especially miss celebrating the Mass with them. When I first came to Hawaii I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the children. I might miss them the most.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Just to say “Mahalo” to Bishop Silva for the chance to serve him. Every day, I have seen him live out his episcopal motto of “Witness to Jesus.” I hope I have in some small way been an instrument of the Holy Spirit while working with him in serving the good people of Hawaii.
This interview has been edited.
