Seattle School Board Names Ben Shuldiner as Finalist for Superintendent

The Seattle School Board of Directors announced today it has named Ben Shuldiner as the finalist for the district’s new Superintendent. Shuldiner is currently Superintendent of the Lansing School District in Michigan. A unanimous vote during Wednesday’s board meeting authorized the beginning of contract negotiations to finalize the hire.

“We believe Ben reflects the hopes, values and purpose of our SPS community,” said Board President Gina Topp. “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.”

“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,” Shuldiner said. “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.”

A track record of success

Shuldiner has served as Superintendent in Lansing since 2021. During that time, he led the district to significant gains in graduation rate (+26%), attendance rate (+15%), and a true increase in district enrollment for the first time in decades. Additionally, he increased the district’s fund balance by over $40 million, ushering in a new era of financial stability and growth in Lansing.

He’s familiar with the challenges teachers and administrators face on a daily basis. In 2003, he founded the High School for Public Service, a public school in the East Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY. He served as principal there for a decade, during which the school had a greater than 95% graduation rate.

After serving as a high school principal, Shuldiner became the Distinguished Lecturer of Education Leadership, at Hunter College, CUNY, where he led one of the largest Principal and Superintendent certification programs in the Northeast.

He was appointed to the New York City Board of Education’s Panel for Education Policy and also served as President and Executive Board Member of the New York City High School Principals Association.

He earned his MSED at Baruch College in New York and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard University, with an undergraduate degree in history and science.

Additionally, he has helped support schools and education leaders in Norway and India.

“Ben Shuldiner brings exceptional financial and operational expertise and clear and precise insights on Seattle’s budget challenges,” said Board member Joe Mizrahi. “Perhaps more importantly, he brings a clarity of vision and ability to communicate that vision with candor that will bring focus and momentum to our district.”

Community connection

Community voices played a critical role in the Superintendent search. The foundation of the process has been a Leadership Profile shaped by 29 focus groups, seven community sessions, and a districtwide survey. In all, more than 3,000 students, staff, families, and community members weighed in on what they want to see from new leadership.

“Educators united in the Seattle Education Association (SEA) shared our expertise and meaningfully engaged with the hiring process for our new Superintendent,” said SEA President Girard Montejo-Thompson. “We drafted questions in collaboration with the Principals Association (PASS) and made our recommendation for educators’ choice of Superintendent to the School Board based on the candidates’ responses.”

“Mr. Shuldiner stood out for his genuine willingness to listen and learn from the entire community, including students, who are most directly impacted by the Board’s decisions,” said Sabi Yoon, one of three student Board representatives and a senior at Ballard High School. “Communication is something SPS urgently needs right now. If we have a leader who can listen, engage, and communicate openly, we can rebuild trust and relationships across the district, and also create a culture of accountability and transparency.”

A leader for this moment

“I’m confident that Ben is the right person to lead our district at this moment,” said Board Vice President Evan Briggs. “The progress we all want won’t happen overnight, but I believe we’re entering a new era—one grounded in transparency, accountability, and an unwavering focus on every student’s success.”

Once a contract, including salary and start date, is finalized, the Board will vote once more to complete the hire.

“I’m eager to get started,” Shuldiner said. “Seattle Public Schools has an inspiring history of innovation. I’m looking forward to playing a role in that history, working closely with families, schools, and the Board to continue creating a truly welcoming, world-class educational experience for our students.”

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Media Contact

Bev Redmond
Chief of Staff, Seattle Public Schools
SPSmedia@seattleschools.org