Brian Whiston Will Replace Outgoing Mike Flanagan As Head Of M.E.D.

DEARBORN (WWJ) - The State Board of Education has selected the superintendent of Dearborn Public Schools to lead the Michigan Education Department.

Brian Whiston was selected among three finalists for the job -- and although he doesn't take over until July, he says things will get busy... fast!

"I owe it to the kids in Dearborn to have my focus be on them but I also have to work with the state board so I can hit the ground running when I take the new job - so, I'll be working a lot of hours but that's okay. I have the passion and drive to do it. I'm ready to go to work," said Whiston.

Contract negotiations pending, Whiston will take over for Mike Flanagan, who has been state superintendent for 10 years and will be retiring at the end of June.

The other finalists were Vickie Markavitch, superintendent for Oakland Schools, and Scott Menzel, the superintendent for the Washtenaw Intermediate School District.