Joseph Pollack, director of the charter school program
at Eastern Michigan University since 1997, died Saturday
from complications due to Guillain-Barre syndrome. He was
76.
Pollack, a resident of Ann Arbor, was well known and respected
around the Ypsilanti community and the EMU campus for his
kind, collegial manner along with his wide knowledge of
education.
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Pollack |
As a former superintendent in a variety of school districts,
Pollack knew both educators and legislators. Those relationships,
combined with his knowledge of the education process, helped
EMU establish a highly reputable charter schools program.
Pollack's perspective and expertise were widely valued
at EMU, where he served in a variety of roles and became
a confidant and adviser to many.
"Joe Pollack was an outstanding leader of the EMU community
and he will be greatly missed," EMU President Sue Martin
said. "Joe was an unmistakable presence due to his kind
and gentle nature. He was well known across campus
for his skillful leadership of our charter schools programs,
his overall knowledge about EMU and education in general,
and his many accomplishments."
Roy Wilbanks, chair of the EMU Board of Regents and a
former top administrator at Eastern, said Pollack was foremost
an outstanding educator.
"This was exemplified through his leadership as superintendent
of the Ypsilanti Public Schools and then later as Eastern's
director of charter schools," Wilbanks said. "He also had
extraordinary commitment to our area and community, and
will be greatly missed."
Malverne Winborne, associate director of charter schools
at Eastern, recalled Pollack as an intense, intelligent
person who combined that focus with an unassuming manner
and an unwavering sense of humor.
"I can never remember a day where he didn't find
something to laugh about," Winborne said. "And more importantly,
to make us laugh."
Said Art Timko, general manager at WEMU: "Joe was a gentle
man, who loved life, loved his family and loved those he
worked with in service to EMU and the youth of our area.
Those who knew Joe are deeply saddened and are experiencing
a great sense of loss both personally and professionally."
Winborne recalled that Pollack was often called upon for
advice when tough decisions needed to be made in the charter
school world. EMU holds charters to schools located in
Detroit, Inkster, Pontiac, Melvindale, Dearborn, Grand
Blanc, Southfield and Ann Arbor.
Patricia Walker, an administrative secretary who has worked
with Pollack since 2001, called him "capable, kind and
caring."
She said Pollack's depth of knowledge in education "surpasses
that of anyone I've ever met."
Eastern Michigan called on Pollack during one of the University's
most trying times. He served on an advisory committee to
help EMU's interim leader, Don Loppnow, put the University
back on track in summer 2007.
Among Pollack's many high-profile education jobs were
stints as superintendent of schools in Evanston/Skokie,
Ill., Flint and Ypsilanti. He also served as principal
of Ann Arbor Pioneer High School and deputy superintendent
of Jackson Public Schools.
Before taking over as director of charter schools, Pollack
served two years as a university relations consultant for
EMU.
He was born in Detroit. He earned his doctorate from the
University of Michigan in 1984 and his master's and bachelor's
degrees from Wayne State University. He also is a former
Fulbright Teaching Grant recipient.
A celebration of Pollack's life will take place Wednesday,
Oct. 14, 3 p.m., in Room 310 of the EMU Student Center.
A private family ceremony will take place earlier in the
day for family members and close friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you make a donation
in the name of Dr. Joseph F. Pollack to the Eastern Michigan
University Foundation, 1349 South Huron, Ypsilanti Mi.
48197. The number is (734) 484-1322.
