MI SoundBoard

Join us for a discussion on the evolving landscape of special education with Abby Cypher , the Executive Director of the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education . We will cover topics such as funding changes and their impacts on both special and general education budgets, the role of paraeducators, and training programs.

In this episode, we welcome Cedar Springs Superintendent Scott Smith along with high school students Evan Mattson and Ian VanderLugt . They provide an inside look at their unique podcast and video gaming collaboration, which bridges the gap between students and administration. We also explore the impact of social media and content creation on today's youth. Tune in to discover how open dialogue an...

Discover the crucial role that national organizations play in shaping public education. In this episode, we're joined by Don Hubler , who shares his journey from serving on a local school board to being a member of the Macomb ISD board, MASB Board of Directors, and president-elect of the National School Boards Association.

Join Executive Director Don Wotruba, CAE , as he addresses insightful questions on a range of topics, including the MASB Board of Directors nomination process, the protocol for hiring superintendents, and more.

We sit down with Legal Counsel and Director of Labor Relations/Policy Brad Banasik, J.D. to talk about the changes happening to labor relations and what you can expect this bargaining season.

With a new calendar year underway, we look ahead to what 2024 may bring for Michigan public education. Joining us are Executive Directors Tina Kerr, Ph. D.  from the  Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators ,  Robert Dwan, CFO, SFO  from  Michigan School Business Officials  and  Wendy Zdeb  from the  Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals .

Join Don as he sits down with the 2024 Michigan Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Jeffrey Collier from Saginaw ISD  to discuss how it feels to be the first ISD superintendent to receive this award and about the important services and support ISDs can provide to their communities.

In this episode, join Executive Director Don Wotruba, as he engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Jamey Fitzpatrick , President and CEO of Michigan Virtual, and Ken Dirkin , their Senior Director of MVLRI. Together, they delve into the implications of AI on public schools and student education. The conversation unravels the potential shifts, challenges, and opportunities that AI presents...

Join us in this insightful episode as we sit down with the 2023-24 Michigan Teacher of the Year, Candice Jackson to discuss the crucial role of involving parents in their children's education and gain a firsthand perspective on the experiences of a minority teacher in the state.

Take a listen to what you can expect at ALC 2023 when Executive Director Don Wotruba sits down with keynote speakers Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski . They talk about their book, When You Wonder, You're Learning , and how the lessons from Mister Rogers are still valid today.  You can also listen to their own podcast, Remaking Tomorrow , about engaging and equitable learning.

Join Executive Director Don Wotruba, CAE as he speaks with the superintendent of Kent ISD Ron Koehler along with their Director of Safety and Security Sean Burns about the importance of planning ahead and sharing resources to keep our schools safe.

Listen as MASB Executive Director Don Wotruba, CAE talks to Kevin Stotts , President of Talent First about how they are encouraging communities to work collectively on building literacy and not leaving it all on the shoulders of educators. 

Join MASB Executive Director Don Wotruba CAE as he speaks to new Michigan School Business Officials Executive Director Bob Dwan CFO SFO about the importance of school business offices and how MSBO works to support them.

Join Don to learn more about our 2023-2024 MASB Board of Directors President Kathleen Moore .

Join MASB Executive Director Don Wotruba as he talks with Assistant Director of Leadership Development Debbie Stair about how boards are more effective when they ask good questions, work towards their common goals and learn together.

When students don't feel safe in their environment, it can impact their mental health, which in turn impacts their learning. In this episode, we speak with Brooke Davis, LMSW, Director of Diversity, Equity and Mental Health Services at Kenowa Hills Public Schools. We discuss the importance of mental health support for students and what board members can do to ensure that all students feel safe, su...

Continuity, leadership and the way boards and superintendents handle turnover are important to high student achievement. Join Don and special guests Director of Leadership Development and Executive Search Services Greg Sieszputowski , M.Ed. and Assistant Director of Executive Search Services Jay Bennett , M.Ed. to talk about these topics and more, as they discuss the State of the Superintendency i...

How can school districts model appropriate use of AI technologies for their students? Dr. Don Killingbeck of Hemlock Public Schools joins the podcast to talk about how his district uses artificial intelligence tools.

How can school districts support students and address growing mental health concerns? In this episode, Managing Director of Strategic Alliances for TRAILS Lauren Kazee joins us to discuss programs and solutions districts can implement to "Transform Research Into Action to Improve the Lives of Students."

Principal Tony Koski is passionate about celebrating the students, staff, and parents of Northville High School. Join us as we learn more about the 2023 Principal of the Year.

In the midst of high-polarization and politicization, it's become more important than ever to create space for civil discourse. What does that really mean? This episode explores how to engage others in constructive ways that don't require consensus but openness and mutual respect. Greg Warsen, Padnos/Sarosik Endowed Professor of Civil Discourse at Grand Valley, offers perspectives and guidance for...

Being a successful school board member takes a wide range of skills and understanding. To better support board members, MASB offers a number of classes that focus on the most essential information and practices for governing with excellence. In this episode, we talk with MASB's own Certification Manager and Instructional Designer, Amy Rucker about opportunities for board member growth.

The Michigan Legislature has a number of public education bills being acted on and considered. Hear from  Sen . Da yn a Polehanki about   those that could most-greatly impact Michigan school districts.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer presented her 2023-2024 budget to the Legislature on Feb. 8, 2023. Beth Bullion, M.P.A. , Director for the Office of Education for the State Budget Office and Stephanie O'Dea, M.P.A. , K-12 Education Policy Advisor for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer join us to discuss some highlights of the proposed budget and how it supports an equitable and exceptional education for all students.

Michigan schools aren't one-size-fits-all, and that means that it takes a team of advocates to represent their voices and needs. It's no wonder that there are numerous organizations centered around serving and advocating for their member districts. In this episode, Executive Director of the Michigan Alliance for Student Opportunity , Peter Spadafore , joins us to discuss how their organization sup...