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Release Date: 
Tuesday, November 13, 2018

President Kavalhuna congratulates Glenn Maleyko on Michigan Superintendent of the Year Award

Photo of Wigent, Maleyko, and Liepa

Photo: Chris Wigent (left), executive director of the Michigan Association of School Administrators (MASA) and Dr. Randy Liepa (right), Wayne RESA superintendent, congratulate Dearborn Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko (center).

On Nov. 12, the Michigan Association of School Administrators (MASA) named Dearborn Public Schools Dr. Glenn Maleyko as the Michigan Superintendent of the Year.

Dearborn Public Schools – one the largest school districts in Michigan boasting 21,000 students – is unique in that it’s the only school district in Michigan to be affiliated with a community college. The HFC Board of Trustees not only governs HFC but also the Dearborn Public Schools. In fact, 36 percent of college-bound students who graduate from Dearborn Public Schools attend HFC.

“Dearborn Public Schools is a wonderful place to be,” said Maleyko, who has been the superintendent for four years. “This is a wonderful community. This award really belongs to the whole school community.”

Community leaders praise Maleyko

Maleyko’s award has elicited praise from many representatives across the Dearborn community, including HFC President Russell Kavalhuna and Dearborn Mayor John B. O’Reilly, Jr.

“On behalf of Henry Ford College, I offer our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Maleyko. His accomplishments and vision reflect well on our entire district and community. I am proud to be his friend and colleague as we lead the way toward a successful future for all our students,” said Kavalhuna.

“I know he also is deeply committed to the success of every student in the district and is one of the most accessible superintendents I have ever encountered. He believes in transparency and is well known for his ‘selfies with the superintendent,’ his informal outreach that inspires goodwill across all ages,” said O’Reilly.

Award recognizes hard work, leadership, and collaborative efforts

A panel of distinguished judges selected Maleyko from a pool of highly qualified nominees. The Michigan Superintendent of the Year is recognized for strong leadership, creativity in successfully meeting the needs of students, communication skills, professionalism, community involvement, and student success during that person’s tenure. By being a state Superintendent of the Year, Maleyko is automatically eligible to become National Superintendent of the Year.

The award recognizes his hard work, leadership, innovation, and collaborative efforts. Chris Wigent, Executive Director of MASA, and Randy Liepa, Wayne RESA Superintendent, delivered the good news to Maleyko at the Board of Education Meeting Monday, Nov. 12.

“Dr. Maleyko has proven himself to be an outstanding leader for Dearborn Public Schools, and I am honored to present him with the 2019 Michigan Superintendent of the Year Award,” said Wigent. “His vision and careful strategic planning are leading to greater success for the students in Dearborn, as well as the educators who nurture their academic development.”

Maleyko’s accomplishments

Under Maleyko’s leadership, Dearborn Public Schools has had two schools named by the U.S. Department of Education as National Blue Ribbon Schools: Becker Elementary School and STEM Middle School in the Michael Berry Career Center. Additionally, District Administrator Magazine named the district as a “District of Distinction.” Graduation rates have continued to improve and reached 95 percent in 2017.

Maleyko’s initiatives include reorganizing administrative responsibilities so schools are grouped by the high school they feed into, which helps educators better see their role in ensuring each student’s ultimate academic success. He has also successfully implemented the strategic plan and used those goals to drive the work of the district.

One of Maleyko’s favorite accomplishments is the creation of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council. Now in its third year, this group of about 15 high school students meets regularly with the superintendent and other key administrators to share their perspectives on district issues and discuss how to better meet student needs.

“Glenn is an enthusiastic, forward-thinking superintendent who has boundless energy and drive,” said Board Trustee Mary Petlichkoff. “He sees options and opportunities, not obstacles.”