ELPS Hires Assistant Superintendent
Mark Dobson, principal of St. Johns High School, was approved as the new assistant superintendent of East Lansing Public Schools at the Oct. 14 Board of Education meeting. Dobson replaces Glenn Mitcham, who became superintendent of Waverly schools earlier this fall.
ELi spoke with Dobson on Thursday about his new role.
“I came to East Lansing as a student at Michigan State University, and like many people, I fell in love with the area,” he said. “East Lansing Public Schools are doing a lot of great things really well. They’ve got a wonderful team and board. I feel comfortable in the work and wanted to see if I could broaden my impact and help others — ultimately, with the goal of enriching and enhancing the experience for students.”
Dobson said his role will be versatile, with key responsibilities that include the development, revision and execution of curriculum and instruction.
Dobson’s contract begins Oct. 31 and compensates him with a prorated salary of $170,000 for the 2025-26 school year and $175,000 for the following year. He will receive an additional $4,000 annually for holding a doctorate degree.
By comparison, Mitcham earned $175,000 in 2024-25 after eight years in the position. Neighboring Okemos Assistant Superintendent Stacey Bailey earned $153,588 last year.
In other business, the board voted to support three initiatives — two local and one statewide.
The board received a letter from staff at the East Lansing Public Library asking to collaborate on after-school programming at the Hannah Community Center. They agreed to send representatives to an initial meeting with library staff.
Members also approved a letter to City Council, written by board Secretary Tali Faris-Hylen, supporting new safety measures for students and families walking between school and home. The move comes after increased activism from ELPS parents and families, especially those with children attending Glencairn Elementary School.
Faris-Hylen’s letter outlines several proposals. These include increased signage to prohibit traffic on certain roads and bar trucks on others, a study of a raised crosswalk in front of Glencairn Elementary and adjustments to traffic lights.
The board also voted to endorse Invest in MI Kids, a proposed amendment to the Michigan Constitution. It would raise the tax rate by five percentage points for filers earning more than $1 million jointly, or $500,000 individually. The funds would be earmarked for career and technical education, to reduce class sizes and attract and retain public school teachers.
“The Board of Education of East Lansing believes strong public schools attract families, boost property values and strengthen the workforce — benefiting everyone,” the resolution reads, noting that the state’s public schools are underfunded by $4.5 billion.
In her superintendent’s report, Dori Leyko said the recently passed state budget will continue covering free breakfast and lunch for all Michigan public school students.
She also said construction is underway at the high school for a new secure entrance, front-facing main office and interior ramp. The work should be complete before the 2026-27 school year begins, and the new administrative building is expected to be open in December.