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The search for Michigan’s next state superintendent has narrowed down, with seven semifinalists emerging from a pool of 33 applicants. The candidates, drawn from various educational backgrounds and districts, are set to vie for the position left open by the retiring Michael Rice, who steps down on October 3.
Among the contenders are leaders from prominent Michigan school districts, including Dearborn, Dexter, Harrison, and Huron Valley. Additionally, the list features a former Virginia state superintendent, a past superintendent from Des Moines, and the leader of a Michigan educational association.
The State Board of Education, in a session closed to the public, selected these semifinalists on Tuesday. The board aims to conduct 90-minute interviews with each candidate next week on August 18 and 19, with the goal of announcing a final decision in early September.
The Semifinalists
The following individuals have been chosen for the interviews:
- Thomas Ahart, who brings experience as an education consultant and former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools.
- Lisa Coons, who previously served as Virginia’s state superintendent and held the role of chief academic officer for the Tennessee Department of Education.
- Glenn Maleyko, superintendent of Dearborn Public Schools.
- Paul Salah, superintendent of Huron Valley Schools.
- John R Severson, executive director of the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators.
- Christopher Timmis, superintendent of Dexter Public Schools.
- Judy Walton, superintendent and curriculum director for Harrison Community Schools.
Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, the search firm assisting the board, recommended these semifinalists. Max McGee, an associate from the firm, stated that the experiences and backgrounds of these candidates align well with the 12 desired characteristics outlined by stakeholders.
Among the eight board members, Tom McMillin was the sole dissenter, voting against the recommended candidates after unsuccessfully attempting to add an eighth semifinalist. He clarified that his opposition did not imply disapproval of all candidates.
However, the search process faced criticism from board member Nikki Snyder, who expressed skepticism about its fairness, suggesting a candidate may have already been preselected. In contrast, Marshall Bullock from Detroit countered, emphasizing his open stance and fresh perspective on the selection process.
Prior to the semifinalist announcement, McGee disclosed a list of 10 candidates who had opted not to keep their applications confidential, including Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, a Detroit Public Schools board member and former Michigan lawmaker. Yet, none of these individuals made it to the semifinalist stage.
Lori Higgins is the bureau chief for Chalkbeat Detroit. You can reach her at lhiggins@chalkbeat.org.
Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools.
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