Seattle Public Schools (SPS) has announced the appointment of Ben Shuldiner as their new superintendent following a thorough national search that involved vetting 41 candidates. The decision was made unanimously by the school board on Wednesday.
Shuldiner brings a wealth of experience to his new role, with over 25 years in the education sector. He currently serves as the superintendent of the Lansing School District in Michigan and has an impressive academic background as a Harvard University alumnus. His previous roles include being a lecturer and Dean’s Fellow at Hunter College, City University of New York, along with a tenure on the New York City Board of Education.
During his introduction at the school board meeting, Shuldiner expressed his vision for SPS, stating, “I believe our goal today is to make Seattle the single greatest urban school district in America. And we should ask nothing less of ourselves because our children deserve it, our families deserve it, and the community deserves it.”
Before his selection in Seattle, Shuldiner was a finalist for superintendent positions in both the Clark County School District in Las Vegas and a district in Kentucky, though he did not secure those roles.
Shuldiner will now enter negotiations for his employment contract, with plans to take the role in early 2026. He expressed optimism about his new position, citing it as his “permanent home” and emphasizing a desire to lead a new chapter for the district.
The board adopted a unique approach during the search process by keeping all candidates’ identities anonymous. This helped attract a strong mix of applicants, including sitting superintendents. Board President Gina Topp highlighted the benefits of this method, stating it allowed SPS to consider exceptional leaders who might not have otherwise applied.
Ben Shuldiner succeeds former SPS Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones, who departed the role in September 2023 after announcing his intention to spend more time with family. Jones had served as superintendent since May 2021 and had recently accepted a contract extension before his unexpected exit.
The recruitment process for Shuldiner included hosting 29 focus groups, community sessions, and a district-wide survey to gather input from stakeholders. His selection marks a hopeful turning point for the district, aiming to elevate educational standards and community engagement in the years to come.