LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The superintendent of the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is retiring from his position. Dr. Michael Rice’s announcement comes after President Donald Trump started the dismantling of the federal education department.

“It’s been a privilege to work with the State Board of Education and the state’s talented teachers, students, parents, administrators, support staff, Governor Whitmer, state legislators, education organizations, broader community, and the dedicated staff of the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), small in number but mighty in battle, to improve education for our children,” said Dr. Rice.

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However, improving education for Michigan’s children did not bode well under Dr. Rice. Recent reporting by Michigan News Source shows only 5.5% of K-8 students in Detroit are proficient in math. A national report card classified the school district as the worst performing one in the nation for 2024.

Just a few miles from Dr. Rice’s office, the numbers don’t bode well for Lansing students either. At least 70% of students there came up short in their math and reading skills.

Dr. Rice also stood by while Gov. Gretchen Whitmer shut down schools in 2020 and 2021 to “save lives” from COVID-19.

The state boasted Dr. Rice’s accomplishments in a press release, saying Michigan reached its highest four-year graduation rate in history in 20204 with 82.8%.

The MDE is selected by voters, and works with the Whitmer-created the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) whose members are appointed. It is unclear whether the MDE will select an interim leader.

Rice’s retirement, effective Oct. 3, comes at a time when federal education protocols will be returned to the state.