Brian Whiston
Brian Whiston was the Michigan superintendent of public instruction. He served in the position from July 1, 2015, to May 7, 2018. He was appointed in March 2015 by the Michigan State Board of Education. Whiston died on May 7, 2018, several months after being diagnosed with cancer.[1][2][3]
Biography
Brian Whiston served as the superintendent of Dearborn Public Schools from 2008 until becoming state superintendent of public instruction. Prior to serving as Dearborn's superintendent, Whiston spent 11 years as a lobbyist for the Oakland school district. In addition to his professional career, Brian Whiston spent 17 years as a local school board member. Whiston was named as a Top Lobbyist of the Year in 2007 as well as the Michigan PTA Board Member of the Year. Whiston earned a B.S. in political science and a master's degree from Wayne State University.[2][1]
Education
- B.S., political science - Wayne State University
- M.S. - Wayne State University
Political career
Michigan Superintendent of Public Instruction (2015 - 2018)
On July 1, 2015, Whiston was appointed Michigan superintendent of public instruction by the state board of education in a 7-1 vote.[2]
Noteworthy events
Concerns over his lobbying
- See also: Michigan government sector lobbying
During the selection process for superintendent, some members of the Michigan Board of Education raised concerns about Whiston's time as a lobbyist for the Oakland school district. While some members saw the ability to work with elected officials as an asset, others raised concerns about his level of spending. After the interview process, Whiston told the Detroit Free Press that some of his expenses were excessive but that he had "learned some life lessons." Despite some reservations, the board ultimately voted to appoint Whiston.[2]
Superintendent of Dearborn Public Schools (2008-2015)
Whiston served as superintendent of Dearborn Public schools from 2008 until his resignation in 2015. During his time in Dearborn, Whiston spearheaded a series of programs in Dearborn high schools that gave students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and an associate degree in five years. For his efforts, he was named the Superintendent of the Year in 2014 by the Michigan Association of School Administrators.[1]
Appointments
2015
Whiston was appointed Michigan's 44th state superintendent of public instruction by the state board of education effective July 1, 2015. As noted in his office biography, the board considered over 50 applicants before naming Whiston to the position in March of that year.[1]
See also
| Michigan | State Executive Elections | News and Analysis |
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- Michigan Superintendent of Public Instruction
- Michigan Department of Education
- Dearborn Public Schools, Michigan
External links
Footnotes
| Political offices | ||
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| Preceded by Michael Flanagan |
Michigan Superintendent of Public Instruction 2015 - 2018 |
Succeeded by Sheila Alles (interim) |
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