Glenn Maleyko was the unanimous pick of the Dearborn Public Schools Board of Education for the district’s next superintendent Monday.
By ZEINAB NAJM
Times-Herald Newspapers
DEARBORN — The Dearborn Public Schools Board of Education hired from within Monday when it chose the district’s next superintendent.
Board trustees unanimously chose current DPS Executive Director of Staff and Student Services Glenn Maleyko at its monthly board meeting June 22.
“I was very emotional when I got the news because I love working in this district and community,” Maleyko said. “My phone was blowing up with phone calls, text messages and notifications on Facebook.”
The search for a new superintendent kicked off after current Supt. Brian Whiston was chosen for the State Board of Education superintendent position in March.
Earlier this month the field of candidates was narrowed down to finalists Maleyko and Associate Superintendent of General Education for the Shiawassee RESD John Van Wagoner.
Both candidates spent time participating in interviews and spending time in the district as part of the process.
Trustees spent the weekend reviewing credentials for both candidates and checking references before reaching their decision at the board meeting.
“I’ve spent time developing great relationships with the community, staff and parents during my time here,” he said. “I want to thank the staff for believing in me and putting their faith in me.”
Maleyko has worked in the district for 12 years where he started as a substitute teacher at Oakman Elementary School.
In 1997 Maleyko received a teaching job at Salina Intermediate School, then became assistant principal and then earned the principal position at the school.
Next, Maleyko spent time as principal at DuVall Elementary School in 2009 before moving to Human Resources director and later executive director of Staff and Student Services.
Maleyko understands there will be challenges that present themselves with the superintendent position.
“I want to work on improving student achievements, working on budget cuts on a state level and reducing state standardized testing,” he said. “Also, we have a large immigrant population, so working with those students on their English is also a priority.”
Maleyko already has in mind at least one goal he wants to accomplish.
“One of my goals is to bridge the gap between elementary, middle and high school,” he said. “Starting collaboration early will help students in the long run.”
The board will now begin the process of working out the details of a contract with Maleyko before he officially becomes superintendent July 1.
“This position will allow me to have a greater impact on the students, which are the most important part of the district,” he said
(Zeinab Najm can be reached at [email protected].)