East Lansing Public Schools Superintendent Dori Leyko to Retire
East Lansing Public Schools Superintendent Dori Leyko announced her impending retirement Tuesday in an email to parents and families of district students. She said her final day will be Aug. 13, 2027.
“This is my 14th year with ELPS,” she wrote, “my 10th as superintendent, and my 33rd year in education. It has been a privilege to serve this district and to get to know so many of your children and families along the way.”
In the email, Leyko said she informed the Board of Education about her retirement Monday.
Leyko’s decade as superintendent has been marked by significant change.
In 2017, the community approved a $98 million bond to rebuild five elementary schools and renovate Red Cedar Elementary. In 2024, voters approved another $23.5 million for security enhancements at the high school and middle school and construction of a central administration building.
Members of the East Lansing Board of Education reflected positively on Leyko’s tenure when reached by East Lansing Info.
“Dori has been a phenomenal leader for the district,” Board Treasurer and longtime member Kath Edsall told ELi in a text message. “Fourteen years ago when I first started my tenure as a school board member the district was struggling with many issues. Dori brought an incredible work ethic and focused on all the things a great superintendent would including finances, facilities, social/emotional growth of our students, educational performance and outcomes, student and staff safety without harming traditionally marginalized students, equitability and inclusion for black and brown students, students with disabilities and students coming to us speaking languages other than English. She righted the ship so to speak, and while I’d hoped we’d have her for a few more years, I respect her decision to retire at this time.”
Edsall added that she knows Leyko won’t just walk away from the district and will ensure the next superintendent is prepared to take the helm.
Board Secretary Tali Faris-Hylen told ELi she ran for the board in 2022 because of Leyko.
“She’s an incredible superintendent and it’s her thoughtful and expert leadership that has guided our district steadily for over a decade,” she said. “I’m sad I will no longer serve under her after this year, but I’m certain that she will ensure we are in a good position to move forward before her last day. Additionally, the [board] will work diligently to hire her replacement. I have learned so much from her and I wish her only the best.”
Board member Chris Martin also praised Leyko and spoke about the process of finding her successor.
“I am also grateful that Superintendent Leyko has been transparent with her intentions and gave the Board substantial time to prepare for the future,” he said. “Obviously, we are still early in this school year, so the immediate priority is continuing to support our teachers and students as they excel and grow. The District is in a strong position and I anticipate that this will be an attractive destination for future superintendent candidates.”
Martin said the personnel committee, which he chairs, will meet in the next three to four weeks to discuss the search for Leyko’s successor.