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Applications Now Being Accepted for Michigan's Next State Superintendent

January 25, 2019

LANSING – Applications for persons interested in becoming Michigan’s next State Superintendent are now being accepted, the State Board of Education (SBE) announced.

The State Board of Education has hired the executive search firm Ray & Associates to conduct the search. In addition to discussions with State Board members on what skills and attributes they’d like to see in the next State Superintendent, Ray & Associates also have had preliminary conversations with education stakeholders and top policymakers in Michigan.

Those interested in applying can learn more here: https://rayassoc.com/job-details.php?ID=475. Deadline to apply is March 11, 2019. Interested persons are asked not to contact individual State Board of Education members or the State Board Office in Lansing.

When the application window has closed, the State Board of Education then will review the applications and work towards identification of finalists, including reference and background checks by the search firm. The SBE may decide to extend the search depending on quality of applicants.

Closed Sessions may be used to discuss applicants who request “to remain confidential.” Public and/or closed sessions will be held to evaluate and identify potential leading candidates. The State Board then will select candidates to invite for public interviews.

The State Board of Education is granted the responsibility to appoint a State Superintendent by the Michigan Constitution. The State Superintendent is the principal executive officer of the Michigan Department of Education and is chairperson of the State Board without the right to vote and shall be responsible for implementing its policies, and has all the powers and duties provided by law.

The State Superintendent is responsible for the day-to-day management, supervision, and leadership of the Michigan Department of Education. The Superintendent is responsible for developing cooperative working relationships with other government departments; the Governor’s office; the state legislature; and constituent groups, in service of SBE policy and the Michigan’s Top 10 in 10 strategic plan for improving education.

This top education position became open last spring upon the death of State Superintendent Brian Whiston. Chief Deputy Superintendent Sheila Alles was appointed Interim State Superintendent by the State Board at that time.