After 15 years at the helm of Woodhaven-Brownstown School District (WBSD), superintendent Mark Greathead will be stepping into retirement on June 30, 2026.

Greathead’s tenure has been defined by dedication and passion as he led the district through periods of growth, innovation and positive change.

According to the WBSD Board of Education, under Greathead’s leadership, “the district has achieved significant milestones, including increased pupil enrollment, improved facilities, a stable general fund, and the grade reconfiguration.”

Although Greathead spent 33 years in the field of education, it wasn’t originally part of his career plan.

“I initially saw myself going into accounting or something in the business world,” he said. “But after my first year of college, I really reflected on it and had a handful of pretty inspiring teachers that helped me rethink my career choice.”

Greathead took over as WBSD’s superintendent in 2011 after building an 18-year foundation in Allen Park, where he taught and held various administrative roles.

When he joined WBSD, he not only brought a wealth of experience, but a vision for growth that he is confident his successor, Matthew Salah, will continue.

“I’m leaving the district in exceptional hands,” Greathead said. “I’m very proud of the position we’re leaving it in, but I’m also excited to see continued growth here under new direction.”

During his time as superintendent, the district experienced notable progress and Greathead credits the support of the community, bond programs and initiatives for helping provide WBSD students and staff with an “exceptional educational environment that would rival anybody’s.”

A major focus of Greathead’s leadership has been expanding academic opportunities for students through programming like STEM, arts, DCTC programs and more, along with the integration of modern technology to ensure students are prepared for future success.

Equally important to Greathead is the district’s early education initiatives.

“For the past few years, we’ve put a focus on an early education process for our families to build a strong relationship between home and school district well before kindergarten,” he said.

By building early connections, Greathead believes students are better positioned for long-term achievement while also strengthening their sense of community and involvement within the district.

To Greathead, successful leadership is about much more than just measurable accomplishments in academics and operations, it’s about prioritizing meaningful relationships with students, staff and families.

“To me, the connection is what this job is all about,” he said.

Whether reading to students in elementary schools, making classroom visits or taking middle and high schoolers on ski trips, Greathead believes that being present makes all the difference.

As he reflects on his career, it’s the people he’ll miss most.

“The students, teachers, administration, support staff, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, security monitors – every single one of them plays a role and has a significant impact on providing the best educational experience possible,” Greathead said.

While Greathead doesn’t have any immediate plans as he transitions into retirement, he’s looking forward to taking life as it comes.

“I’ll take pleasure in watching the snow fall and not worrying about having to make a decision related to it,” he laughed.

As Greathead leaves WBSD wellpositioned for the future, his advice for the district is simple: stay connected and communicate.

“There’s a wealth of opportunity for growth and support available through the district,” he said. “But it really takes everybody working together, at home and at school, to get the most out of our educational system.”