Dr. Michael Rice, Michigan’s 44th superintendent of public instruction, will retire effective October 3. He’s been in the role since May 2019, when the State Board of Education selected him as state superintendent and head of the Michigan Department of Education.
“It’s been an honor to serve Michigan’s 1.4 million public school children over the last six school years,” said Dr. Rice. “It’s been a privilege to work with the State Board of Education and the state’s talented teachers, students, parents, administrators, support staff, Governor Whitmer, state legislators, education organizations, broader community, and the dedicated staff of the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), small in number but mighty in battle, to improve education for our children.”
Biography:
-
- Prior to his appointment, he served 17 years as a local district superintendent, 12 years as superintendent in Kalamazoo, and five as superintendent in Clifton, N.J.
- He began his career in public education in the Washington D.C. Public Schools, where he taught high school French.
- Rice graduated from Yale University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He earned his master’s degree and doctoral degree in public administration from New York University.
Next Steps:
-
- The State Board of Education has begun its search for a new state superintendent.
- Hiring for the role is at the discretion of the Board, and the appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
