The Special Education Foundation is pleased to welcome Dr. Michael Maclin as the new Superintendent of the Special School District of St. Louis County, effective January 1, 2024.

Dr. Maclin has been serving as acting superintendent since October and has been with SSD since July 2020, where he was serving as the Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility.

In its announcement on Monday, the SSD Board of Education determined after evaluating the state of the district, current climate, and next steps, that Dr. Maclin, a seasoned education professional with an exemplary track record and a passion for public education, is the best person to provide stability and strategic direction to the District.

"We are thrilled to have Dr. Michael Maclin as our new superintendent. He has extensive experience and a visionary leadership style that will contribute significantly to the success of our students and staff,” said Board of Education President Katie Pottroff.

“The Board firmly believes that his appointment will ensure continuity and alignment with the District's current strategic plan. His proven leadership and dedication to education coincide seamlessly with our district's mission, core values, and goals.”

Before joining SSD, Maclin filled multiple teaching and administrative roles at Parkway School District, University City School District, and Maplewood-Richmond Heights School District. Additionally, he is an adjunct professor for Missouri Baptist University’s education doctoral program. He has also served as an educational consultant to some of the largest school districts in the nation, including LA Unified, Dallas ISD, and Philadelphia.

SEF Executive Director Tim Eby also praised the appointment of Dr. Maclin to lead SSD, noting that “his spirit of collaboration and passion for helping students will be a great asset for the district. We’re very excited to do all we can to support his vision for SSD.”

Dr. Maclin was approved by a unanimous vote to be SSD’s 20th superintendent and the first person of color to serve as superintendent in the District’s 66-year history.

Dr. Maclin is a lifelong learner with academic credentials, including a doctorate in teaching and learning, an education specialist superintendent degree, a master’s degree in educational administration, a master’s degree in guidance and counseling, and a bachelor’s degree in communications. He also holds several certifications, including a PK-12 Superintendent Certificate; Missouri Leadership for Excellence, Achievement, and Development Certificate; and the Harvard Racial Equity Facilitator Certificate.

He has received numerous honors, including the NCI Leadership Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; the St. Louis Business Journals’ Champions for Inclusion Award; being featured in CIO Magazine as one of the top ten DEIA leaders to watch; and as a speaker at TedXJesterCirED.