Seattle Public Schools (SPS) has announced the appointment of Ben Shuldiner as its next superintendent, marking the successful conclusion of a nationwide search conducted in partnership with HYA. This decision represents an exciting new era for the district and reaffirms the value of a thoughtful, inclusive search process grounded in community engagement and strategic alignment.
A Collaborative and Comprehensive Search
HYA Executive Lead Associate Micah Ali and his team worked closely with the Seattle School Board to design and implement a national search that reflected the district’s vision, values, and priorities. The process invited broad community participation, including feedback from thousands of students, staff, and families. This engagement helped shape the leadership profile that guided the search and ensured that the selected candidate reflected the needs and aspirations of the Seattle community.
HYA’s role extended from stakeholder input and candidate outreach to candidate evaluation and facilitation of the final selection. By combining national reach with local insight, HYA helped the district identify leaders whose experience, integrity, and vision aligned with Seattle’s strategic goals.
A Leader Ready to Guide Seattle’s Future
Ben Shuldiner joins Seattle Public Schools with a strong background in educational leadership and district transformation. He has previously served as a superintendent and has been recognized for improving academic outcomes, strengthening fiscal operations, and engaging communities in meaningful ways. His experience and leadership style position him to guide SPS through a period of renewal and opportunity.
The selection of Shuldiner reflects the Seattle School Board’s commitment to transparent decision-making and to identifying a leader who can sustain academic excellence while building community trust and operational stability.
The Power of Partnership in Leadership Searches
HYA is proud to have partnered with SPS in this important work. The success of this search demonstrates how a collaborative and data-driven process can help districts not only fill key leadership roles but also build momentum for long-term success.
For large and complex districts like Seattle, leadership transitions require more than recruitment, they require alignment, strategy, and expertise. HYA’s approach ensures that every phase of the process supports those goals, resulting in placements that are both mission-driven and community-centered.
Partner with HYA
As districts across the country prepare for future leadership transitions, HYA remains committed to helping them find leaders who inspire confidence and drive student success. From superintendent and executive searches to strategic planning and leadership development, HYA provides the tools, partnerships, and expertise that move education forward.
Visit hyasearch.com to learn more about how HYA can support your next leadership search or help you plan for future organizational success.
