By Staff Report | LPL News Wire| October 1, 2025

LANSING — Despite a growing Latino student population across Michigan, the number of Latino superintendents in the state can be counted on one hand. For decades, Latino educators have helped shape classrooms and serve in district leadership roles, but few have been elevated to the top job: superintendent.

The Michigan Association of Latino Administrators & Superintendents (MI-ALAS) has made this reality its rallying cry. By providing mentorship, professional development, and advocacy, the group is working to close the leadership gap and ensure that Hispanic students see themselves reflected at every level of Michigan’s public schools.

The Leadership Gap: Latino students make up a steadily rising share of enrollment in urban centers like Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Ypsilanti, and South Haven. Yet, Latino administrators at the superintendent level remain exceedingly rare. Historically, Michigan has had only a handful of Latino superintendents: Yvonne Caamal Canul in Lansing (2012–2019), Ricardo Medina in Bridgeport-Spaulding, and Dr. Carlos López in River Rouge. Today, just one Latino currently serves as superintendent in the state.

Ana Alemán-Putman: A Superintendent for the Moment: That one leader is Ana Alemán-Putman, Superintendent of South Haven Public Schools, who took the helm in late 2024. Her selection was historic: the district’s first female superintendent and one of the very few Latinas ever to lead a Michigan school system.

Her story resonates far beyond South Haven. Born and raised in the lakeshore community, Alemán-Putman grew up as one of 15 children in a family of migrant farmworkers. Her parents worked the fields while teaching their children that education was the key to breaking cycles of poverty.

She earned her undergraduate degree in Social Sciences and Education from Grand Valley State University, a Master’s in Bilingual Education from Wayne State University, and an Educational Specialist Certification from Grand Valley State University.

Throughout her career as a teacher, principal, and district administrator, she emphasized bilingual education and equity. She has spoken candidly about her own schooling, recalling how dismissive teacher comments shaped her understanding of how adult expectations can either nurture or derail a child’s potential.

When she was chosen as superintendent, Alemán-Putman called it a “full circle” moment, returning to serve the very community where she grew up. She pledged to collaborate with families, staff, and residents to build strong support structures and high expectations for all students.

Dr. Carlos López: From River Rouge to Ypsilanti: Dr. Carlos López, Ed.D., is another prominent Latino leader in Michigan education. He previously served as Superintendent of River Rouge Public Schools before becoming Assistant Superintendent for Ypsilanti Community Schools. López earned his Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) from Wayne State University and is recognized for his work in curriculum development and fostering student-led decision-making.

Other Latino Leaders in Key Roles: Although Latino superintendents remain rare, several administrators hold influential deputy and assistant superintendent positions across the state: Jessica Benavides (Lansing), Sergio Keck (Lansing), and Jonathan Tobar (Livingston ESA). Together, they shape educational programs and policies that affect thousands of students.

Why Superintendents Matter: Superintendents do more than manage budgets and facilities. They set the tone for entire districts, influence curriculum priorities, and hire principals and administrators who shape classroom life. For Latino students, seeing leaders like Alemán-Putman matters deeply — representation inspires possibility.

The MI-ALAS Pipeline: MI-ALAS is determined to ensure that more Latino leaders follow Alemán-Putman’s path. The group provides mentorship for aspiring administrators, organizes leadership academies, and builds connections with national partners such as the Association of Latino Administrators & Superintendents (ALAS) and the AASA Aspiring Superintendents Academy® for Latino and Latina Leaders.

Looking Ahead: The imbalance is stark: tens of thousands of Latino students in Michigan classrooms, but just one Latina superintendent leading a district. That contrast is why MI-ALAS insists the state must invest in leadership development and remove barriers to advancement. The work of trailblazers like Caamal Canul and Medina, the ongoing leadership of López, and the district-level influence of Benavides, Keck, and Tobar all matter. But today, the spotlight belongs to Ana Alemán-Putman, who is showing what’s possible when barriers are broken and representation finally reaches the superintendent’s office.