Getting to know Rob Neu; a personal glimpse into the new Superintendent’s life
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| "Rob Neu and his family stop for a photo during their eight-day road trip from Michigan to Federal Way this summer. The family made the move a vacation, stopping at tourist points such as Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore." |
Like most school superintendents, one wall of new FWPS Superintendent Rob Neu’s office is decorated with a framed record of his many achievements – college degrees, certificates and awards. It’s the other walls that show a side of Neu beyond his buttoned-up suits and get-down-to-business attitude.
The artwork in Neu’s office are framed original pieces created by some of his six children: 14-year-old Cassie, 13-year-old Josie, 10-year-old Emmie, 8-year-old Gracie, 6-year-old Addie and 5-year-old Wyatt. There are family photos and hand-painted ceramic mugs on the shelves next to his extensive collection of books on education and leadership.
Is it ever overwhelming parenting six children? Almost always, Neu joked. But it is also wonderful. “We have each other," he said. "We are a traveling party. A traveling playgroup. We’re an event when we show up someplace.”
If a person looks closely at the academic degrees in Neu's office, they'll discover one from Schoolcraft Community College. It is the first of Neu’s many post-high school degrees and from the only school Neu could afford at the time, the local community college. “I’m very proud of that degree,” Neu said.
Neu worked hard to make his way through college. He came from a modest family and he and each of his four siblings were expected to pay their own way through college, if they decided to go. Neu says with pride that he wasn't born with a silver spoon. "I think I'm kind of a blue collar superintendent," he said. During college, Neu worked at a food distribution warehouse. His shifts ended at 3 a.m. and he was in class by 8 a.m. He worked similar grueling schedules while studying for his Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts and Educational Specialist degrees.
Neu began his career as a high school business education teacher and basketball and track coach in Plymouth, Michigan. That's where he met his wife, Kelly. She was a track coach at the same high school. Neu said it was love at first sight. Soon, the pair were married and now they are the proud parents of six children. When he's not working, Neu's life revolves around his family.
Family weekends are spent riding and tending the family horses or attending the children's athletic events. Roasting marshmallows over a campfire at home are among favorite activities. Neu enjoys playing chess, backgammon, Horse-Opoly and the Nintendo Wii with his children. His second-oldest daughter, Josie, beats him at backgammon nearly every time, he jokes.
Moving across the country, from Michigan to the Puget Sound, was a family decision for the Neus. They all liked the idea of being near the water, the mountains, forests and desert areas in Eastern Washington. "The beauty and recreation opportunities are so dramatic," Neu said. The family looks forward to visiting Mount Rainier and going hiking.
But first, they are working to get settled into their new home. Neu promised his children a place with enough space to expand their family of pets. They currently have three horses and a hamster. They plan to add a dog, another horse and perhaps even cows, goats, rabbits and chickens to the Neu family. They will also have a garden. As they did in Michigan, Neu's children will continue doing most of the work tending the animals. Caring for animals is a great educational opportunity for the children and teaches a strong work ethic, he said. "I wish they loved working in the house as much as they do working in the barn," he joked.
The Puget Sound area, with its natural beauty and nearby cultural center in Seattle, was a perfect fit for Neu's family. As for Neu himself, he found a perfect fit with Federal Way Public Schools. He said he looks forward to working in a school district that is aligned with his educational philosophy and where there is an obvious commitment to the students. He likes the innovative spirit of Federal Way and that there is already progress towards initiatives that he finds important, such as standards based learning.
“The things that are happening here in Federal Way really fit my philosophy - my educational and my personal philosophy,” Neu said. “There is a genuine commitment to educational excellence here and a genuine excitement about living here. We are really thrilled to be here. We have felt welcomed and we are excited to be part of this community."
Posted: August 4, 2010