Seattle School Board Selects Michigan District Leader as Superintendent Finalist
An experienced leader from Michigan has been selected as the next superintendent for Seattle Public Schools. The Seattle School Board made a unanimous decision on Wednesday, voting 6-0 to name Ben Shuldiner as the sole finalist for the position. Board member Sarah Clark was absent during the vote. The board will convene again to finalize Shuldiner’s hiring and approve his contract, although the exact start date remains undetermined.
Ben Shuldiner: A Vision for Seattle Public Schools
Shuldiner expressed optimism about his potential role, indicating that he hopes to start in early 2026. “Seattle deserves leadership,” he remarked, stressing the vibrant energy and eagerness for success within the community. His appointment comes at a critical time for the district, which is grappling with serious challenges including a financial crisis, safety concerns, and community distrust following a controversial school closure proposal that was ultimately rescinded.
Professional Background and Achievements
With over 25 years in education, Shuldiner has served in various roles such as classroom teacher, principal, and superintendent. Before his current selection, he was the superintendent of the Lansing School District in Michigan, which serves over 10,000 students. Seattle Public Schools enrolls around 50,000 students. Under Shuldiner’s leadership, Lansing has seen improved graduation and attendance rates, along with a notable district fund balance of over $40 million after addressing a $20 million budget shortfall.
- Former Superintendent: Brent Jones left in September after taking medical leave.
- Current Interim Superintendent: Fred Podesta has been acting in the role since June.
- Search Process: Shuldiner was referred to as “Candidate 7” during a confidential search, which reviewed over 40 applicants.
Compared Leadership Experiences
Prior to his tenure in Lansing, Shuldiner worked in larger districts, including New York City, where he founded the High School for Public Service. His extensive background in education leadership also includes teaching at Hunter College and serving on the New York City Board of Education’s Policy Panel.
Community Engagement and Future Goals
In his initial 100 days, Shuldiner plans to focus on understanding the community and staff dynamics before implementing any significant changes. Recognizing the existing barriers between the district and the community, he aims to foster a collaborative environment.
Shuldiner’s strategic goals include:
- Achieving fiscal solvency.
- Increasing student enrollment.
- Reducing chronic absenteeism.
- Boosting the graduation rate.
“My ambition is to position Seattle as the greatest urban school district in America,” Shuldiner stated.
A Historic Search Conclusion
The board’s recent vote concludes a search for a new superintendent that reflects the desire of community members for innovative and equitable leadership. Feedback from surveys and focus groups highlighted the necessity for a leader with financial acumen, resonating with board members who expressed confidence in Shuldiner’s ability to address the district’s pressing challenges.
