DEARBORN — Dearborn Public Schools Supt. Brian Whiston is one of three finalists for the state of Michigan superintendent position.
The State Board of Education conducted two days of interviews and narrowed the list of six semifinalists to three on March 11.
Oakland Schools Supt. Vickie Markavitch and Washtenaw Intermediate School District Supt. Scott Menzel also made the final list.
The news that Whiston was a candidate for the position first broke when a list was released on March 3 with Whiston making the semifinalist cut. The field was narrowed down from 54 applicants to six.
Whiston joined the Dearborn Public Schools in 2008 developing award-winning programs for students and passing a $70 million bond proposal for infrastructure needs.
“I am here to serve the students in our classrooms, to meet their educational needs, and provide each of them with a quality learning experience,” Whiston said. “My mission to serve children will not change whether I am superintendent in Dearborn or if I am provided with the opportunity as state superintendent.”
Whiston is no stranger to the idea as he was named State Superintendent of the Year in last year, but that didn’t make his decision easy.
“When I was asked by the search firm working for the state board to submit my resume, I was honored to be considered, but the decision was difficult as I was not seeking a position with any other school district,” he said. “I am committed to the work we are doing here in Dearborn, proud to be superintendent of this district and enjoy being a member of the community.”
Whiston’s contract with the district runs through the end of the 2016-17 school year.