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January 13, 2026
LANSING – Dr. Sue C. Carnell, chief deputy superintendent for the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and a long-time educator, has announced she is retiring effective July 31.
Carnell has devoted her career to children and education. She has more than 45 years of experience in education and government. She recently served as interim state superintendent, becoming the first Black woman to be state school chief in Michigan.
State Superintendent Glenn Maleyko shared the news at today’s State Board of Education meeting, which was also Dr. Michele Harmala’s last meeting as deputy superintendent.
“I have had the pleasure of working alongside Dr. Carnell when we were both local school superintendents in Wayne County and at the Michigan Department of Education,” Maleyko said. “She always puts Students First. Her legacy is one of helping improve outcomes for children both at the local level and statewide. I wish she would stay with the department longer, but her retirement is well-deserved.”
Carnell had considered retiring sooner but wanted to help ease the transition of Maleyko into the state superintendency. He took over in December after Carnell served as interim superintendent beginning in October, when Dr. Michael Rice retired.
“It has been my great pleasure and privilege to serve the people of the state of Michigan—especially our children,” Carnell said. “I know that Dr. Maleyko and the outstanding staff at the Michigan Department of Education will continue to improve outcomes for children. My message to the MDE team is one of my favorite phrases: ‘You’ve got this.’”
Carnell has been MDE’s chief deputy superintendent since 2021.
She previously was superintendent of Westwood Community School District, deputy superintendent of Detroit Public Schools and assistant director of special education and principal in Southgate Community School District. At MDE, she was former chief of staff for Rice and director of the former Office of School Excellence and the former Office of Community Services. She also served as education policy advisor for former Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm and worked as group executive for former Detroit Mayor Dave Bing. She was a special education teacher for 9 years in Inkster Public Schools.
She earned a bachelor’s degree of science in education from the University of Michigan, a master’s degree of arts in leading disabilities from Eastern Michigan University and a doctor of philosophy degree in education leadership from Eastern.
She and her husband, Craig, have two children and three grandchildren.
Meanwhile, Harmala’s last day is Jan. 31. The board today approved a resolution recognizing her for her service. Harmala is deputy superintendent for Educator Excellence, Career and Technical Education, Special Education, and Administrative Law, a position she has held since 2023.
She has served in numerous roles during her 40-year career in education, including being a teacher, special education director, local school district superintendent and college professor. Most recently, Harmala was an associate professor and graduate director at Madonna University. Prior to that, she was superintendent of the Wayne-Westland Community School District, an assistant superintendent and executive director of Student Support Services for Farmington Public Schools and a regional consultant for Oakland Schools. She also taught graduate and undergraduate courses as an adjunct professor at Oakland University, University of Michigan-Flint and Eastern Michigan University, contributing to curriculum design and program development.
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