Superintendent

Brian J. Whiston, Superintendent, Dearborn Public Schools

On May 27, 2008, the Dearborn Board of Education unanimously approved the hiring of Mr. Brian Whiston as the new Superintendent for the Dearborn Public Schools. On the first of July, Mr. Whiston assumed his new responsibilities leaving the Oakland County Intermediate School District where he served since 1997 as Director of Government and Community Services. Mr. Whiston’s involvement in education has extended beyond his position with Oakland Schools. For the past seventeen years, he has served as a member of the Waterford Schools, Board of Education and is currently President elect of the Michigan Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA), an organization that he has been a part of for many years. Mr. Whiston earned his bachelor’s degree at Wayne State University and also earned his Master’s degree in Political Science from Wayne State.

Mr. Whiston began his professional career in 1986 as Chief of Staff to Senator Rudy Nichols. He later began his own company, Survey Research Associates. In 1995, he was named Director of Fast-Trac Operations for the Oakland County Road Commission and shortly after that was named Director, Government & Community Services for the Oakland Schools.

During his ten years as Director of Government & Community Services, Mr. Whiston made many significant contributions to improving student learning in the 28 school districts and 20 charter schools throughout Oakland County. His department was consistently rated high in value, job performance, and customer satisfaction. Under his leadership his department focused on using data and research to guide decisions and helping local school districts increase student achievement. In 1999, Mr. Whiston discovered the 20j Categorical Funding problem and helped to draft a solution that created 20j funding. These funds not only benefited school districts in Oakland County but schools across the state. In Dearborn, 20j funds add almost $5 million to the general fund. During his time with Oakland Schools Mr. Whiston consistently demonstrated his ability to work with state government to bring financial resources to schools, lead his department to improved student achievement, and serve the residents of Oakland County to help make all schools successful.

Mr. Whiston has been officially recognized on several occasions for his work in support of public education. In 2007, while working on behalf of public school districts in Oakland County, he was named a Top Ten Lobbyists of the Year. He was also awarded the Gold Child Advocate award and named Michigan PTA Board Member of the Year. He is an honorary life member of the Michigan PTSA, has served that organization for several years as a member and elected official, and is currently the President Elect.

Mr. Whiston has also taught classes at Wayne State University and for the Michigan Association of School Boards. He is a Member of the Board of Directors for Lakeland Catholic Credit Union and Board Member for Family Focus.