Warren Consolidated Schools boss to step down after 16 years on the job
Robert Livernois proud of forging ‘culture of respect’
The head of the Warren Consolidated School District said Thursday he will step down from the district this summer in order to spend more time with his family but will remain in the education field.
Robert Livernois, who has served as superintendent of Warren Con for 16 years, said he will retire in August. He said his departure comes knowing district officials have developed an efficient education model and “culture of respect” with the community.
“I can you without hesitation that Warren Consolidated Schools is strong now and the future is bright, especially considering how committed this Board of Education is to maintaining what we have built for every stakeholder,” he said.
With about 12,600 students, Warren Con is Macomb County’s third-largest district. It serves families in northern Warren, as well as a portion of Sterling Heights and Troy.
Livernois, 57, has had a 36-year career in public education, starting in 1988 as a substitute teacher and then an English instructor at South Lake High School, his alma mater.
In 1998, he moved over to Warren Woods Public
Schools, where he began his administrative career as an assistant principal at Warren Woods Tower High School and later became principal.
While at Warren Woods, he served as curriculum director before being appointed as superintendent in 2005.
He became Warren Con’s leader in 2008.
In a news release, school board President Susan Trombley described his leadership as “an incredibly stable force in our community.” She said he guided the district through challenges like the 2008 recession, declines in state funding, facility reconfigurations, curriculum and technology infrastructure, and the Covid crisis.
“It is difficult to quantify what he has meant to our district given his steadfast devotion to the students, staff, and the community at large,” she said in the release.
Livernois said his future includes education consulting and teaching at Wayne State University in Detroit, where he is an adjunct professor. He plans to travel with his wife, Jeanne, and spend time with his family, which has grown to include grandchildren.
One of the unique aspects about “Dr. Bob,” as he is affectionately known, is being a member of the rock trio The Shy and playing at local establishments. Although the group doesn’t perform live anymore, they are still busy recording music.
The school board will soon launch a search for a new superintendent soon. Livernois plans to stay on to help guide his replacement.
“I want to help with the transition of my successor,” he said. “Especially given the scope of this job. I want that person to be able to take some time and get their arms around every facet of the job.”