Michigan Mourns the Passing of State Superintendent of Schools

Liz Gullett

Michigan Mourns the Passing of State Superintendent of Schools

May 11, 2018

This week, State Superintendent Brian Whiston passed away after a battle with cancer. He was appointed to the role by the State Board of Education in April 2015 and under his leadership, the Department of Education set a goal to make Michigan a Top 10 education state in 10 years. Prior to his role as State Superintendent, he served as Superintendent of Dearborn Public Schools. He also worked as the Director of Government and Community Services for the Oakland County ISD, was a local school board member of 17 years, and held the position of Treasurer and President-Elect of the Michigan Parent Teacher Student Association. Additionally, he taught classes at Wayne State University.

Chief Deputy Superintendent Sheila Alles has been appointed interim Superintendent. It will be up to the State Board of Education to appoint a new State Superintendent; however, they are in a window of time where legally they can’t appoint a new superintendent. Michigan law states that an appointment can’t occur six months before or two months after an election for board members. Since there are members up for election this November, an appointment won’t occur until 2019.

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