On behalf of the Board of Education the Dearborn Public Schools offers its most sincere condolences to the family of State Superintendent Brian Whiston. The District is saddened by the news of Brian’s passing and will keep the Whiston family in their thoughts and prayers.
“Brian was a great son, husband, father and grandfather and I am very fortunate to have been able to call him my friend. Professionally he was a mentor but it was the times I was able to spend with him outside of work that I will always treasure and will miss,” expressed current Dearborn Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko.
While in Dearborn, Whiston was named Superintendent of the Year in 2014 by the Michigan Association of School Administrators (MASA). The award recognized his hard work, leadership, innovation, and collaborative efforts. Programs and initiatives put into place under Whiston’s tenure in the district won awards, saved tax payer dollars, and most importantly provided quality instruction to the students in the classroom. Dearborn’s recent 95% graduation rate is a continuation of a trend that started in 2012 due to programs put in place by Whiston.
The Henry Ford Collegiate Academy was another program started by the seven year superintendent of Dearborn. The program gives qualified District students an opportunity to achieve their high school diploma and associates degree in 5 years, at no cost to the student while still remaining active at their home high school. The program has won two awards, one from the Dearborn Chamber of Commerce recognizing its innovative approach and the Education Excellence award by the Michigan Business and Professional Association.
On top of the many positive changes that occurred while Mr. Whiston was Superintendent, he will always be remembered in Dearborn for his ability to build relationships. One of the first projects he started in Dearborn was to work with all of the Union groups to develop an on-going dialogue that built trust and positive communication. That skill extended to the community as he built strong partnerships with local organizations, the business sector, and the City of Dearborn.
“His genuine kindness and friendly personality is what truly made him a popular figure in the District. His actions were not for show, rather they always came from the heart,” added Maleyko.
The Dearborn Pubic Schools will remember Mr. Whiston with a moment of silence at the May 14, 2018 Board of Education meeting along with sharing a few photos of his time in Dearborn. In addition, in honor of Superintendent Whiston, Board Trustees and members of the Cabinet will wear blue shirts at the meeting, an almost trademark look of Whiston’s.
