It’s Time to Get On Board
MI SoundBoard
With new school board members joining districts across Michigan this election year, now is the time to take a proactive approach to board development. In this episode, MASB’s Assistant Director of Leadership Development, Debbie Stair, M.N.M.L., shares practical strategies for identifying and encouraging civic-minded individuals to step forward—those who are truly passionate about strengthening education and supporting every student’s success.
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The MELG Summit 2026
MI SoundBoard
The MELG leadership team returns to the podcast to share the latest updates from their organizations and discuss how they—and their members—are preparing for the upcoming school year. In this episode, hear insights from Executive Directors Tina Kerr, Ph.D. (Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators), Wendy Zdeb (Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals), and Bob Dwan, SFO, CFO (Michigan School Business Officials) as they highlight key priorities, challenges, and opportunities ahead.
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Budget Battle
MI SoundBoard
Michigan’s proposed education budget is on the table, and now all eyes are on the legislature. As school boards wait to see how the House and Senate shape—and ultimately finalize—the plan, key priorities and controversies are coming into focus. Jennifer Smith, MASB’s Director of Government Relations, joins MISoundBoard to break down what’s at stake—from promising highlights like free meals for all students to the ongoing debate surrounding Section 31aa.
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A Slap Shot State Superintendent
MI SoundBoard
Michigan’s new State Superintendent, Glenn Maleyko, Ph.D., joins MI SoundBoard to share his vision for education in the state. Tune in to hear about his focus on improving literacy, the journey that led him to this role, and how a passion for hockey helped inspire his career in education.
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Not the Solution Education Needs
MI SoundBoard
In this special episode of MI SoundBoard, we welcome Joshua Cowen, Ph.D., Professor of Education Policy at Michigan State University, to discuss the ongoing conflict over school vouchers and their troubled track record with public schools.
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Your New District Leaders
MI SoundBoard
In his debut episode of MI SoundBoard, Assistant Director of Executive Search Services Kevin Kelly, M.Ed., joins the conversation to unpack the current landscape of superintendent leadership in Michigan’s public schools. From trends in the applicant pool to strategies districts can use to look inward when a superintendent is preparing to retire, Kevin shares practical insights for navigating leadership transitions with confidence.
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The Story in the Data
MI SoundBoard
Michigan—and much of the country—is facing a growing teacher shortage. With special guest Tara Kilbride, Ph.D., Associate Director of the Education Policy Innovation Collaboration at MSU, we dive into the data to explore what’s driving the issue, how schools can better retain educators, and how universities can help bring the next generation of teachers into the classroom.
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Celebrate Progress
MI SoundBoard
In this episode of MISoundBoard, we’re honored to welcome Michigan Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Kimberly Carter, Ed.D., from Battle Creek Public Schools. Dr. Carter shares the visionary work that led to her nomination, highlighting the transformative programs she has implemented across the district. These initiatives are expanding opportunities, fostering equity, and empowering both students and staff to thrive.
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A Trail Forward for Mental Health
MI SoundBoard
Supporting student mental health is one of the most urgent and persistent challenges facing today’s school districts—and having the right tools can make all the difference. Returning guest Lauren Kazee, Vice President of National Partnerships at the TRAILS program, joins us to discuss the innovative resources her organization is bringing to Michigan schools and how these efforts are improving the well-being of students across the state.
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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.
info_outlineEffective onboarding for newly elected board members can mean the difference between smooth, strategic governance and dysfunction. In this episode, we sit down with Kelli Horst and Amanda Love to discuss how they transformed a contentious election into a collaborative, high-functioning board in Clarkston Community Schools. Tune in to hear their journey from division to unity.