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Seven contenders have emerged in the race for Michigan’s top educational role, with candidates spanning from local district superintendents to a former Virginia state education leader. The selection process is underway to find a successor for Michael Rice, the outgoing State Superintendent set to retire on October 3.
The Michigan State Board of Education narrowed down the pool from 33 applicants to these seven semifinalists during a closed session. Next week, these candidates will undergo rigorous 90-minute interviews on August 18 and 19. The board aims to finalize their decision by early September.
Meet the Semifinalists
- Thomas Ahart, an education consultant and past superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools
- Lisa Coons, Virginia’s former state superintendent, previously with the Tennessee Department of Education
- Glenn Maleyko, currently leading Dearborn Public Schools
- Paul Salah, superintendent at Huron Valley Schools
- John R Severson, executive director at Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators
- Christopher Timmis, overseeing Dexter Public Schools
- Judy Walton, superintendent and curriculum director at Harrison Community Schools
The selection process is facilitated by the search firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, which recommended these candidates based on a specific profile. Max McGee from the firm stated that the chosen semifinalists “best meet the 12 desired characteristics and qualifications” developed through extensive stakeholder feedback.
Despite the progress, the decision to move forward with these candidates was not unanimous. Tom McMillin, a board member from Oakland Township, voted against the motion, citing his wish to include an additional candidate. However, he clarified that his vote was not an outright opposition to the current semifinalists.
Another board member, Nikki Snyder, expressed concerns about the search process, suggesting it might have predetermined outcomes. “I do believe the candidate has already been chosen,” Snyder remarked. In contrast, Marshall Bullock, another board member, rejected this notion, asserting the process remains open and unbiased.
Earlier discussions at the board meeting revealed a list of 10 candidates who had not requested confidentiality. This list included notable figures such as Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, a Detroit Public Schools board member and former legislator, though none progressed to the semifinal 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.
