Ann Deneroff
BY EMILY MADDEN
After 41 years as curriculum director for Trenton Public Schools, Ann Deneroff is retiring and beginning a new chapter in her life. She began her career in Trenton in the fall of 1978 after coming to Michigan to attend graduate school at the University of Michigan.
Even after all this time the job never got boring because of all of the different responsibilities that come with the title of curriculum director.
“The role of Director of Curriculum encompassed a variety of work — that’s what kept it so interesting,” said Deneroff.
She was tasked with aligning the district’s curriculum to the changing state standards, dealing with state and federal grants, professional development, and much more. Her ultimate goal for the students and staff in the district was always to improve learning.
As she plans her future after retirement, Deneroff is looking forward to traveling across the country to visit her family members that are spread out from Boston to Seattle. Even though she is excited about the changes she will also miss her times at Trenton Public Schools.
“Most of all I will miss the incredible people that I have had the honor of working with throughout my career — students, staff, parents, and community,” said Deneroff. “I also will miss the work that we have accomplished in early literacy as reading is the foundation for all learning.”
For those of you wondering who could possibly fill the shoes of Ann Deneroff — the answer is Stephanie O’Connor. She has been the principal at Arthurs Middle School for 13 years and is now moving to the Board of Education building to become the new director of curriculum.
The new principal at Arthurs is Debbie Rhoades, who has been the assistant principal at the school for eight years.
Nichole Johnson is also moving up in the ranks and taking on the role of assistant principal. After teaching science for 15 years, she is very excited about the move.