Seattle Public Schools names new superintendent

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) has finally settled on a new superintendent.

Ben Shuldiner was voted in unanimously and will take the place of Brent Jones, who announced in March that he was leaving in the fall.

Shuldiner is currently the superintendent of the Lansing School District in Michigan, where he has served since 2021, SPS noted in a news release.

“We believe Ben reflects the hopes, values, and purpose of our SPS community,” Seattle School Board President Gina Topp stated via the release. “We are ready to partner with a leader who listens, shows up for students and families, and does the work. Ben has a strong record of delivering results, extensive financial and operational experience, and a commitment to lifting every student and school in our system. That’s why we selected him. He’s ready to get to work, restore hope, and move our shared vision into action.”

Shuldiner mentioned the importance of transparency in his role.

“I’m humbled to be selected to serve as the next Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools at this inflection point in the district’s history,” he stated via the release. “During my tenures as a teacher, as an administrator, and as a leader in national organizations, I’ve seen common values across communities and classrooms. Students, families, and staff are what make them extraordinary. And they expect honesty and transparency so that together we can achieve the most for every young person in our district.”

Ben Shuldiner’s previous achievements

According to SPS, Shuldiner increased the graduation rate in his district by 26% and the attendance rate by 15%. He also increased funding by more than $40 million.

Shuldiner founded the High School for Public Service, a public school in Brooklyn, New York, in 2003, where he served as the principal for a decade.

He then became the Distinguished Lecturer of Education Leadership at Hunter College, CUNY, and led one of the largest Principal and Superintendent certification programs in the Northeast.

Shuldiner was also appointed to the New York City Board of Education’s Panel for Education Policy and served as the president and executive board member of the New York City High School Principals Association.

He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard University and earned a Master of Science in Education from Baruch College in New York.

Brent Jones announces his resignation at Seattle Public Schools

Shuldiner will take over for Jones, who left the district in September.

Jones, who was with Seattle Public Schools since May 2021, initially served as interim superintendent before being appointed to the permanent role.

Prior to his tenure as superintendent, Jones was the district’s chief equity, partnerships, and engagement officer, where he developed strategies to eliminate opportunity gaps and promote racial equity. He has a strong background in strategic planning, community engagement, and educational equity.

Jones confirmed in an interview with The Seattle Times that he plans to move to California to be with his family.

Contributing: Bill Kaczaraba

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