Leading With Support
MI SoundBoard
The Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals has announced its 2026 Michigan High School Principal of the Year—and in this episode, we sit down with the winner, Tiela Schurman of Midland High School. Listen in as she shares her passion for building exceptional learning environments, the ways she empowers teachers to do their best work, and the leadership philosophy that drives her success.
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A Belated Budget
MI SoundBoard
After a prolonged delay, the school aid budget has finally made its way through the legislature, impacting districts across the state. Director of Government Relations Jen Smith joins us to break down the highs and lows of the budget and what districts should be preparing for in the coming fiscal year.
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Beyond the Horizon: Legal Highlights from ALC
MI SoundBoard
We’re coming to you from the 2025 Annual Leadership Conference in beautiful Traverse City! One of the most anticipated ALC sessions each year is the Michigan Council of School Attorneys Fall Conference. In this episode, we’re joined by MASB’s Legal Counsel and Director of Labor Relations and Policy, Brad Banasik, J.D., to share highlights from the conference and offer practical advice on how your board can stay proactive and prepared.
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Making Connections With Them
MI SoundBoard
When Corey Rosser decided to lead by being his authentic self, everything changed. Now, as the 2025–26 Michigan Teacher of the Year, the North Branch Area Public Schools educator joins MISoundBoard to share how connection, honesty, and heart have shaped his journey.
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Innovate to Overcome
MI SoundBoard
As the 2025 Annual Leadership Conference approaches, we’re excited to share a conversation with one of our keynote speakers who will be joining us in Traverse City. In this episode, leadership consultant and author George Couros discusses practical ways to foster innovative mindsets in public education—and how to bring everyone along on the journey.
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MASB Board President Changeover
MI SoundBoard
Executive Director Don Wotruba, CAE, sits down with MASB’s newest board president, Dale Wingerd, a President's award-winning board member who serves both Clinton Community Schools and Lenawee Intermediate School District. With a lifelong passion for learning, Dale shares what he's looking forward to most this year.
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An Opportunity for Every Student
MI SoundBoard
The joins the podcast with its Executive Director, Ryan Fewins-Bliss, to discuss how the organization works to ensure all Michigan students understand the opportunities available to them for education beyond high school, as well as the current state of college graduates in the state.
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Settling Retirement
MI SoundBoard
The long-running lawsuit against the Office of Retirement Services (ORS) over superintendent compensation may be settled, but the implications are still unfolding. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tina Kerr, Executive Director of the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators, and Bob Schindler, attorney at Miller Johnson and legal representative in the case, to break down what the settlement means for districts. Learn what steps administrators can take now to prepare for the coming changes to superintendent retirement compensation.
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On a Budget
MI SoundBoard
The 2025–26 school year is already off to a rocky start, with state budget delays leaving districts in limbo. In this episode of MISoundBoard, we talk with MASB Deputy Director Kent Cartwright, Ed.D., CPA, about the challenges school leaders face when funding is uncertain. Drawing on his deep experience in school finance, Kent shares practical insights on navigating budgeting obstacles and what to keep in mind as the year unfolds.
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Curbing Conflict
MI SoundBoard
At MASB, one of our core missions is helping school boards work more effectively—regardless of who's at the table. A key tool in achieving that goal is the DISC assessment, a proven method for understanding behavioral styles and improving communication. In this episode, we’re joined by MASB’s own Education Programming Manager, MacKenzie Feldpausch, M.A., our in-house DISC expert. MacKenzie shares insights into how DISC can transform the way boards collaborate, connect, and lead together.
info_outlineIn this episode of MI SoundBoard, we sit down with Jon Wilcox, Principal of Petoskey Middle School and the 2024 Michigan Principal of the Year. Discover the journey and impactful experiences that led to his recognition. Tune in to hear firsthand why Jon is celebrated as a leader in education.