Dearborn Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko has been selected to be the next State Superintendent of Michigan.
The State of Michigan Board of Education held interviews for their three finalists for the job on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. After a brief discussion on Tuesday evening, the eight member board voted 5-3 in favor of offering the position to Dr. Maleyko.
Dr. Maleyko is starting his eleventh year as Superintendent of Dearborn Public Schools and his thirtieth year in the district. State Board of Education President Dr. Pamela Pugh will now negotiate a contract with Dr. Maleyko.
No official dates have been announced for when Dr. Maleyko will step down in Dearborn or start the state position. The district will share more information as it becomes available including any details regarding a search for a new Superintendent.
“I am excited that Dr. Glenn Maleyko is poised to become Michigan’s next state superintendent of public instruction,” said Dr. Pugh. “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.
“We heard from parents, staff, and community members who spoke highly of his leadership—with one parent saying their only concern was losing him to the state. While literacy remains a significant challenge across Michigan, Dr. Maleyko’s background and experience make him well-qualified to lead efforts that will strengthen literacy outcomes and ensure all students have access to the supports they need to succeed. His track record and commitment position him to advance the eight goals in Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan, and to guide our state in making continued improvements to public education.”
Dr. Maleyko started as a substitute teacher in Dearborn, served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and then Executive Director of Human Resources before taking the reins as Dearborn’s superintendent in 2015. He is the second superintendent from Dearborn to move on to the role of State Superintendent. The late Brian Whiston was named State Superintendent in 2015 and served until his untimely death in May 2018. Dearborn Public Schools is the third largest district in Michigan in terms of enrollment.
Dr. Maleyko was president of the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators for the 2023-24 school year, represents Michigan on the National School Superintendents Association Governing Board, and chairs a statewide English learner committee that he created in 2023. He was on the original steering committee for the Top 10 Strategic Education Plan.
During his tenure as Dearborn superintendent, the district’s graduation rates have reached 95% and the district has earned six U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Schools Awards.
Dr. Maleyko earned a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from Wayne State University; an educational specialist degree in educational leadership and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from University of Detroit Mercy; and a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from University of Windsor.
“I look forward to working with anyone who wants to do what is best for Michigan’s students,” Dr. 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.”
Last week the State Board interviewed seven candidates selected from the initial pool of 33 applicants. That pool was narrowed to three finalists, which the board interviewed on Tuesday. The other two finalists were Dr. Lisa Coons, former Virginia state superintendent of public instruction, and Dr. Judy Walton, superintendent and curriculum director for Harrison Community Schools.
Dr. Rice announced in April that he is retiring from the state superintendency on Oct. 3. The board hopes to have the new superintendent in place to assume the post on Oct. 4.
Under the Michigan Constitution, the State Board of Education is responsible for appointing the state superintendent. The superintendent leads the Michigan Department of Education and is responsible for the day-to-day management, supervision, and leadership of the department and for developing cooperative working relationships with other government departments, the governor’s office, the state legislature, and constituent groups.
Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) was picked by the state board to head a national superintendent search. HYA, based in Illinois, has 38 years of experience in supporting educational leaders in finding school executives, including superintendents.
“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,” Mr. Mustonen added.