Dr. Skilling has been an educator since 1980. He taught American Government, AP Government, US History, and Economics before becoming a school administrator. In 1991, he accepted the position of principal at Nickels Middle School in Byron Center, Michigan. During his time as middle school principal, he helped guide the school from a junior high concept to a middle school concept. The Board approved a three year implementation of the middle school concept before he left to become the high school principal.
In 1992, he became the principal of Byron Center High School. While serving as principal, his high school received the Michigan Exemplary Blue Ribbon Award in 1995 and 1999. In 1996, he received the principal of the year award from the Michigan Association of Student Councils. In 2000, Byron Center High School received the National Exemplary Blue Ribbon Schools Award. During his tenure with Byron Center Public Schools he helped to create the vision, develop the partnerships, and recruit the first members of the Van Singel Fine Arts Council to assist in supporting a self-sustaining Off-Broadway Theatre, the Van Singel Fine Arts Center (VSFAC). The purpose of the VSFAC was to improve awareness of the arts, provide access to professional shows for families that were under-served due to limited income, and to improve fine arts education for K-12 students. He was the first Managing Director/Executive Director from 1997 - 2002.
In 2002, Dr. Skilling assumed the position of Executive Director of ST Concepts. As an educational consultant, he traveled extensively in North America, Central America, Mexico, Germany, and other places to speak at colleges, universities, and educational conferences. The focus of his presentations was explaining how to use instructional technology to improve teaching and learning, increase student productivity of learning, and to help students develop global literacy knowledge and skills. He also consulted on how to design educational facilities to support a school district's educational goals.
In 2003, Dr. Skilling returned to public education as superintendent of Webberville Community Schools. While serving as superintendent for four years, he assisted in stopping eleven years of declining student enrollment. During his last three years as superintendent, the district experienced three consecutive years of student enrollment growth. Webberville also passed a sinking fund and bond issue to improve their facilities and build new ones. The major accomplishment was the community partnerships that were developed to build and operate the Spartan Center. The Spartan Center provided the first wellness center for all community members regardless of income. The facility provided healthcare and physical therapy services as well. In addition, the SpartanCenter was used for high school athletics and physical education classes. During his tenure, Webberville Community Schools was recognized for academic excellence. Examples include Webberville Middle School receiving the Michigan Association of School Board's Curriculum Excellence Award and the Michigan Best Award in 2006. In 2007, Webberville Elementary School received the Michigan Blue Ribbon Exemplary School Award. In addition to these awards both the elementary and middle school saw three consecutive years of student achievement growth.
Since Dr. Skilling arrived as superintendent of Oxford Community Schools on July 1, 2007, many initiatives and changes have occurred. The district and community worked together to develop a five year strategic plan. New curriculum, educational programs, and graduation requirements have been implemented. An orchestra program was launched in 2008 and a new "Fifth Core" in world language program was started which requires all K-8 students to learn a world language. Starting with the 2009 kindergartners, they will have the opportunity to be proficient at the intermediate level in a world language by the end of eighth grade. A strings program for kindergarten was implemented as well. In 2008, the District launched an Honors program for middle school students to ensure that our highest achieving students are reaching their potential for learning. In 2009, Oxford Community Schools was awared Project ReImagine by the state of Michigan. This was in recognition of Oxford's efforts for innovation in preparing students to work and live successfully in a global world. Currently, the school district from preschool through twelfth grade is pursuing the International Baccalaureate (IB) accreditation. All seven of Oxford schools will be IB World Schools by the fall of 2011.
Along with his K-12 education experience, Dr. Skilling was an adjunct professor of education at Grand Valley State University in the Graduate College of Education in Educational Leadership from 1993 - 2006. Since 2008, Dr. Skilling has been a part-time lecturer at Oakland University in the School of Education and Human Resources.
On a personal note, Dr. Skilling has been married to his wife Nancy since 1979. They have six children ranging in ages from 12 - 24 years old. His three youngest children attend Oxford Community Schools. His oldest son, Ryan, is a graduate of Michigan State University. He is married to Heidi who is a nurse and a graduate of West Virginia University. They have a daughter Kaitlyn Ann who was born on September 14, 2009. Ryan is currently serving as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. His second oldest son, Ross, is also a graduate of Michigan State University and is a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. Ross is married to Lindsey who will be graduating from Ferris State University in May, 2010 with a degree in healthcare administration. His daughter Kelsey is a junior at the University of Georgia. She is a member of PDK International and is pursuing a degree in elementary education.
