Selfless leader.
Outstanding partner.
Dedicated professional.
The list of words describing State Supt. Brian Whiston goes on as people throughout Michigan express their sadness upon hearing of his death, and the admiration they had for the legacy he leaves behind.
Whiston died May 7 after a battle with cancer.
He was 56 years old.
Leaving a legacy
Whiston previously served as Superintendent of Dearborn Public Schools — the state’s third largest school district — from 2008 to 2015. His involvement in education started long before his time in Dearborn.
During his 11 years as director of government and community services in Oakland County, Whiston demonstrated his ability to work with state government to bring financial resources to schools, lead his department to improved student achievement and help make all schools in the county successful.
He also served as a local school board member for 17 years, and held the position of treasurer and president-elect of the Michigan Parent Teacher Student Association. He was elected president of the PTSA before having to step down when he was appointed as the Dearborn superintendent.
While at Dearborn, Whiston’s collaborative model led to a primary focus on math, reading and writing in the elementary grades to raise student achievement and provide an environment for students in grades six through 12 that kept pace with technology, prepared them for a post-secondary education or training, and met the state’s graduation requirements.
Giving students options
Whiston worked to offer students a variety of options at the secondary level to break down the barriers of a typical high school classroom.
He established the Collegiate Academy, a five-year program at each of Dearborn’s three high schools, which offers students the opportunity to graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree in five years, with all costs covered by the district.
His successful innovation efforts in Dearborn were recognized by the Michigan Association of School Administrators when it awarded him Superintendent of the Year honors in 2014.
In 2007, while working on behalf of public school districts in Oakland County, Whiston was named a Top Ten Lobbyist of the Year.
Whiston also has taught classes at Wayne State University, where he received a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, and for the Michigan Association of School Boards.
Words from Snyder, Calley
The loss of Whiston has touched the hearts of Gov. Rick Snyder and Lt. Gov. Brian Calley who also made statements about their thoughts of losing a man they knew and admired.
“Brian’s dedication and work on behalf of all Michigan students and teachers was exemplary,” Snyder said. “He was an outstanding partner who understood that, just as teachers work every day to challenge their students to do better, we all need to challenge ourselves to do better for students.
“The partnerships to help struggling districts, his work to help implement the Marshall Plan for Talent, his Top 10 in 10 program, and many other initiatives he undertook during his career will be part of Brian’s long-standing efforts to make Michigan a national leader in education. I will miss working with him greatly.”
Calley echoed some of those statements, saying, “I was extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Superintendent Whiston. His passion for improving the lives of students and families across our state will not be forgotten. He was an excellent partner who understood there was more to academic success than just test scores. He lived a life dedicated to service and I offer my sincere condolences to his family, colleagues and all who knew him.”
Whiston called a selfless leader
Roger Curtis, director of the Talent and Economic Development Department of Michigan, said Whiston had been a selfless leader in state government and in the educational community.
“His positive attitude and tireless efforts to make Michigan a leader in education is and will always be an inspiration to us all,” Curtis said after learning of Whiston’s death. “It is devastating to learn of his passing. Our state has lost a remarkable leader and human being. And I have lost a friend.
“Brian’s legacy will live on in many of the initiatives he began, including the Michigan Department of Education’s Top 10 in 10, Michigan Career Pathways Alliance, Marshall Plan for Talent and so many more that continue to revolutionize our state’s education system and better prepare Michigan’s young people for careers after high school.
“He has been nothing short of a great partner and friend. We will continue to pray for his family during this very difficult time.”
State co-presidents react
The death of the former superintendent, who was appointed state superintendent by the State Board of Education in April 2015, was emotionally painful for Casandra Ulbrich and Richard Zeile, co-presidents of the state board.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Brian,” Ulbrich and Zeile said in a joint statement. “Brian was a wonderful person who devoted his life to serving others. He was always focused on doing what is best for the children of Michigan.
“The vision he set forth to make Michigan a Top 10 education state in 10 years will endure. His leadership and talent established the dynamic strategies that will help all children in Michigan have the opportunity to learn and be prepared for success.”