The Seattle School Board has unanimously selected Ben Shuldiner as the new Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools (SPS). Shuldiner, who was voted in during a public board meeting on November 5, 2025, is set to officially begin his tenure in November 2025.

His selection followed a nationwide search that reviewed 41 candidates and included final interviews with two unnamed candidates who held leadership roles elsewhere. The selection process drew significant community input, with more than 3,000 students, staff, and community members contributing their thoughts.

A Leader with Deep Educational Roots

Shuldiner brings over 25 years of experience in education to the role. Most recently, he served as the Superintendent of the Lansing School District in Michigan since 2021. His background also includes service on the New York City Board of Education.

An alumnus of Harvard University, Shuldiner has held academic posts, including serving as a Former Dean’s Fellow and Distinguished Lecturer at Hunter College, CUNY, where he also directed the School and District Leadership programs. He is known for his operational expertise and a commitment to equity and student success.

Aspirational Vision for a Troubled District

Shuldiner takes the helm of SPS during a turbulent period marked by financial strain, school closures, and significant community mistrust. Despite the challenges, Shuldiner articulated an ambitious vision for the future of the district.

“I believe our goal today is to make Seattle the single greatest urban school district in America… our children deserve it, our families deserve it and the community deserves it,” Shuldiner stated.

Navigating Immediate Challenges

The new superintendent inherits a district that is financially strained, politically sensitive, and in need of healing. One of his most immediate challenges is grappling with a projected $94–100 million deficit for the 2025–26 school year. This budget crisis is attributed to rising costs and stagnant state funding.

Shuldiner’s leadership begins alongside a highly controversial school consolidation plan. While the original proposal targeted 21 schools for closure under the “well-resourced schools” plan, the revised plan confirms the closure of 4 schools in 2025–26, with potential mergers aimed at stabilizing finances. This process has generated intense community backlash, with parents and educators protesting the perceived lack of transparency and equity.

In addition to financial and consolidation pressures, SPS faces several other key issues:

• Enrollment Decline: Similar to many urban districts, SPS is experiencing declining student enrollment, which directly impacts funding and resource allocation.

• Community Distrust: There is long-standing frustration with district leadership and decision-making, with parents and educators feeling unheard, particularly regarding closures and equity concerns.

• Equity and Access: The district faces persistent achievement gaps and uneven access to resources across neighborhoods. The “well-resourced schools” initiative intends to address these gaps but has sparked debate over what equity looks like in practice.

SPS is currently developing a new strategic plan (2025–2030) focused on community engagement, equity, and long-term sustainability to help rebuild trust and set clearer priorities. This plan is still in draft form and will require strong leadership to gain traction.

Shuldiner’s success will largely depend on how effectively he navigates operational stability, equity-driven reform, and robust community engagement