Dearborn Schools Shuffle Administrative Staff

Several administrative staff changes were made over the summer and during the first few weeks that Dearborn Public Schools have been in session.

Glenn Maleyko, who began his academic career with Dearborn schools as a substitute teacher nearly 20 years ago, was named superintendent over the summer. He has held numerous positions of increasing responsibility during his time with the school district, including assistant principal and, most recently, executive director of staff and student services.

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Several other staff members have taken on new leadership roles as the district moves to improve instruction and modify its organizational structure to ensure success for all students success in our district, Maleyko said in a news release.

Here are the other changes:

Thomas Wall has been appointed executive director of business and operations for the school district. Wall came to Dearborn after serving as the assistant superintendent of business and support services for the Woodhaven/Brownstown School District.

Maysam Alie-Bazzi has been appointed executive director of staff and student services for the school district. Previously, she was [rincipal at Woodworth Middle School and assistant principal at Fordson High School.

Danene Charles, former principal at O.L. Smith Middle School, has been appointed coordinator for effective education. She will oversee the district’s effort in response to bullying behavior, restorative practices, and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) programs.

Nada Fouani was named district leadership coach coordinator after serving as principal at William Ford Elementary. She will work with principals on implementing strategies to accelerate student progress in math, reading, writing and social studies, including the use of assessment and achievement data for planning.

New principals are working with students and families at O.L. Smith and Woodworth Middle Schools, as well as Iris-Becker, Haigh and William Ford Elementary Schools.

Sean Fisher was appointed Principal of O.L. Smith Middle School. Previously, he was assistant principal at Avondale High School in Auburn Hills.

Sara Dirkse has been appointed principal of Woodworth Middle School. Previously, Dirkse was assistant principal at Dearborn High School.

Rima Hassan was promoted to principal of Iris Becker Elementary School following her service as assistant [rincipal at McCollough/Unis School and teacher at Dearborn High School.

Zachary Short has been named principal at Haigh Elementary School. Previously, he was the assistant principal at Farmington Elementary School in the Garden City Public Schools.

David Higgins has been named principal at William Ford Elementary School after previously serving as principal at Iris Becker Elementary School.

In addition to the staff changes that have been announced, the district has introduced a new organizational structure in which administrators now meet and work together in groups based upon the schools that feed into Dearborn High School, Edsel Ford High School and Fordson High School.

Executive Director of Student Achievement Jill Chochol is responsible for the progression of students for the elementary and middle schools that feed into and attend Fordson High School.

Executive Director of Student Achievement Shannon Peterson is responsible for the progression of students for the elementary and middle schools that feed into and attend Dearborn High School

An associate superintendent position previously held by Gail Shenkman, who retired in September after 27 years of service, will not be filled. Instead, the district is seeking applicants for a third executive director of student achievement position for the Edsel Ford High School feeder track.

Shenkman has worked with thousands of students across the district for nearly three decades, and served in numerous roles during her tenure, including principal and assistant principal.

Shenkman will continue helping children succeed through her new position as assistant director for California at AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), a global nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the achievement gap by preparing all students for college and other postsecondary opportunities.