Former Dearborn Public Schools Superintendent Glenn Maleyko’s leadership has drawn contrasting assessments from candidates seeking two seats on the Michigan State Board of Education in the Nov. 3 election.

Maleyko was selected by the board Aug. 26, 2025, and began work as state superintendent Dec. 8, according to MDE’s appointment announcement. All four major-party candidates weighed in on his leadership in interviews with Bridge Michigan, published by BridgeDetroit Oct. 1.

The eight-member board currently has six Democrats and two Republicans. Two Democratic incumbents, Tiffany Tilley of West Bloomfield and Judith Pritchett of Washington Township, are seeking re-election to eight-year terms. Republican challengers Terence Collins, 61, a senior financial analyst at General Motors in Grosse Pointe Park, and Bree Moeggenberg, 47, a recruiter and licensed child care provider in Mt. Pleasant, are trying to unseat them.

If both Republicans win, the board would split 4-4 along party lines. The board does not control the state education budget or pass laws but serves as the planning and coordinating body for public education and hires the state superintendent.

Literacy is a shared concern

Candidates from both parties told Bridge Michigan they want additional efforts to improve literacy.

Beginning in 2027–28, public schools must screen students in kindergarten through third grade for characteristics of dyslexia three times per school year, according to MDE.

By the beginning of 2031–32, certified educators who provide, support or oversee K–5 reading or language arts instruction must complete science-of-reading training, according to MDE’s explanation of the new law. Tilley sponsored a board resolution last year urging the state to adopt mandatory training, Bridge Michigan reported.

Maleyko divides the field

Pritchett told Bridge Michigan she has been “very, very pleased with the direction he’s taking us … not only with staff at MDE and the board, but as importantly, with the field.” Tilley said Maleyko’s approach to leadership is building bridges across the education community.

Republicans were less enthusiastic. Collins said he thinks Maleyko has failed when given opportunities to stand out. Moeggenberg said she is not impressed with much of what he has done.

Maleyko was named 2019 Michigan Superintendent of the Year while leading Dearborn Public Schools, according to his official biography, which also documents his 10 years leading the district.

Health education standards divide candidates

Both Republican candidates want the board to revisit health education standards revised in November 2025. The updated standards include a recommendation that schools provide instruction about gender identity and sexual orientation. Students can opt out of sex education with no penalty.

MDE says local school boards retain control of health curricula and parents retain opt-out rights.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced investigations Feb. 18 involving Detroit Public Schools Community District, Godfrey-Lee Public Schools and Lansing School District over instruction on those topics and access to bathrooms and locker rooms.

Maleyko said in a Feb. 19 statement that the federal request mischaracterized the state standards and placed a heavy administrative burden on local districts.

Other names on the ballot

Third-party candidates include Wissam Charafeddine, running on the Green Party ticket. Other third-party candidates are Charles Essner (Libertarian), William Mohr II and Christine C. Schwartz (U.S. Taxpayers), Mary Anne Hering (Working Class) and Kelli Monroe (Natural Law), according to Bridge Michigan’s report.

Michigan’s general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3.