Dearborn Public Schools​ Leader To Become New MI State Superintendent

DEARBORN, MI — Dearborn Public Schools Superintendent Glenn Maleyko was chosen for the top education job in Michigan.

Maleyko was selected among three finalists Tuesday night by the State of Michigan Board of Education. The eight-member board voted 5-3 in favor of Maleyko.

Maleyko does not yet have a start date, but the board hopes to have a Maleyko in place by Oct. 4, one day after State Superintendent Michael F. Rice retires.

Maleyko will now negotiate a contract with state officials. It was also unclear exactly when he will step down from the Dearborn position. The district will share more details when they become available.

"I look forward to working with anyone who wants to do what is best for Michigan’s students," Maleyko said. "I am ready to collaborate with the State Board of Education, MDE staff, local school districts, the governor, legislators, and all school stakeholders. It will be especially important to listen to the voices of students and their families. I will be strongly committed to furthering the great progress that has occurred under State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice in meeting the goals in Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan. We must move as swiftly as possible to improve literacy achievement, and I am prepared to get to work on that important goal."

In the meantime, Maleyko is starting his eleventh year as Superintendent of Dearborn Public Schools and his thirtieth year in the district, which is the third largest school district in Michigan.

During his tenure, the district’s graduation rates have reached 95 percent and the district has earned six U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Schools Awards.

Maleyko was also president of the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators for the 2023-24 school year. He represents Michigan on the National School Superintendents Association Governing Board and chairs a statewide English learner committee that he created in 2023. Additionally, he was on the original steering committee for the Top 10 Strategic Education Plan.

"Dr. Maleyko has brought about success in Dearborn schools by working collaboratively with all stakeholders, building great teams, seeking solutions that result in a win-win outcome, and most importantly. always putting students first," said David Mustonen, Communications Director for Dearborn Schools. "Although we are very happy for Glenn and wish him well in this new opportunity, we will all miss his leadership, friendly personality, and of course those wonderful ‘selfies’ with the Students First Sign."

Seven candidates were interviewed last week from a pool of 33 applicants. Along with Maleyko, former Virginia State Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons and Superintendent and Curriculum Director for Harrison Community Schools Judy Walton and were chosen as finalists.

"Dr. Maleyko has a proven record of implementing initiatives that provide meaningful support to both students and educators. Throughout the search and interview process, he demonstrated that he can bring people together and work collaboratively with a diverse sector of groups and stakeholders," State Board of Education President Pamela Pugh said.