News Release
March 5, 2007
Denver Public Schools Hires Manual Alum and Top Area School Leader as Principal of The New Manual High School
Denver Public Schools announced today that Dr. Robert Stein, current Head of School at Denver's esteemed Graland Country Day School, has been tapped to lead the new Manual High School when it reopens this fall to ninth grade students.
After a thorough national search informed by the Manual community's renewal work, Rob emerged as the top pick because of his extensive leadership experience, commitment to students, and strong vision for Manual's future. A graduate of Manual himself, Rob has deep roots in the Denver community and has a record of success bolstering student achievement and fostering strong teaching and learning communities. Throughout his twenty-five year career in education, Rob's focus has been centered on improving student learning.
The hiring of Rob concludes a nationwide search and a several month process to find the right leader for Manual High School. A 10-member community committee interviewed finalists and made recommendations to Superintendent Michael Bennet and Chief Academic Officer Jaime Aquino.
"Rob has a proven track record of leading successful school reform," Bennet said. "We tapped one of the state's best school leaders to direct Manual into a new era of excellence -- the Manual students and community will have the quality leadership they deserve. Rob's vision, instructional knowledge, integrity, and passion for student success will be instrumental in creating a premier high school at Manual."
"With a strong instructional team, committed staff, and community support, we will ensure that Manual is a model school which serves its students and community better than any urban high school in the nation," said Stein.
Raquel Martinez, a community selection committee member and parent of two children at Manual before it closed and of an eighth grader who will start high school this fall said, "Of all the candidates, Rob Stein was the only person that could convince me to send my eighth grader to Manual. I believe that if he is the principal, Manual will be a place where my child will be successful."
Another Manual alum and community renewal member, City Councilman Michael Hancock, commented, "Manual has a proud history and a rich tradition and Rob's hire marks a new era for Manual to thrive."
Manual High School is currently enrolling 9th grade students for the 2007-2008 school year. Parents and students interested in enrolling their student or learning more about Manual High School please call 720-423-6300 or visit manual.dpsk12.org.