By ZEINAB NAJM
Times-Herald Newspapers
DEARBORN — The Dearborn Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to change the current Ten Eyck Administration Building to the Brian J. Whiston Welcome Center.
During an April 8 meeting, the decision became final after the proposal was presented by a naming committee, which included DPS Supt. Glenn Maleyko, during a March 11 board meeting.
“I just want to thank the board for their support of the Brian Whiston Welcome Center, and you know Brian was a great man and a great educator,” Maleyko said during the meeting. “This is a great way to recognize him. I will make sure we follow the policy and invite his wife and family once we do the dedication.”
Before his death May 7, 2018, at the age of 56 from a battle with pancreatic cancer, Whiston served as the DPS superintendent and the state superintendent.
Whiston became DPS superintendent in 2008, where he developed award-winning programs for students, led the passage of a $70 million bond proposal for infrastructure needs and created the Collegiate Academy at all three high schools.
“Mr. Whiston had an extremely positive impact on Dearborn Public Schools and navigated the district through one of the most difficult budget times in the history of the school district,” the board meeting agenda read. “His work in education and his support for the students and community in Dearborn was amazing.”
He was appointed state superintendent in 2015.
On Aug. 9, a fountain located between the John Hannah and Ottawa buildings in downtown Lansing was dedicated to Whiston, naming it the Brian J. Whiston Memorial Fountain.
(Zeinab Najm can be reached at [email protected])