MI SoundBoard

An ongoing conversation on the current state of public education in Michigan and nationwide. Listen along as MASB Executive Director Don Wotruba, CAE invites prominent education voices from across the nation to speak about what’s happening and the possible impact on students.

The Dream Team 04/11/2025

The Dream Team On this episode of MI Soundboard, we dive into the most critical relationship influencing the success of any school district—the one between the board and the superintendent. Tina Kerr, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators (MASA), joins MASB Executive Director Don Wotruba for a candid conversation on why this partnership must be built on trust, communication, and shared vision from day one. /episode/index/show/misoundboard/id/36057160

Innovation Formation 03/21/2025

Innovation Formation Investing in professional development is key to fostering meaningful change in education. In this episode, we’re joined by School Design Strategist Tovah Sheldon, Ph.D., from Michigan Virtual, to explore their transformative coaching program. Discover how this initiative helps district leaders ignite innovation, drive progress, and create lasting impact in their schools. /episode/index/show/misoundboard/id/35789990

One Team, Together 03/07/2025

One Team, Together Effective 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. /episode/index/show/misoundboard/id/35563955

Safe and Sound 02/21/2025

Safe and Sound Kent ISD’s Director of Safety and Security, Sean Burns, returns to the podcast to share insights on the district’s proactive approach to school safety. Discover how reunification drills prepare schools for emergencies and why a shared language between first responders and the district is crucial for effective communication and response. /episode/index/show/misoundboard/id/35377060

The Power of Your Words 02/07/2025

The Power of Your Words This episode of MI SoundBoard celebrates one of the annual achievements in Michigan public education. Tune in to hear from the inspiring 2025-26 Michigan High School Principal of the Year, Adam Lancto, as he shares his journey and the lasting impact he's made on the students of Grandville High School. /episode/index/show/misoundboard/id/35191640

Your Voice, Our Priorities 01/24/2025

Your Voice, Our Priorities After every election year, MASB’s Government Relations team collaborates with members to shape a focused set of priorities for the upcoming two-year legislative session. In this episode, join Director of Government Relations Jennifer Smith as we explore how MASB members contribute to this critical decision-making process and delve into the key priorities that will guide our advocacy efforts over the next two years. /episode/index/show/misoundboard/id/34961735

A New Year for Superintendents 01/08/2025

A New Year for Superintendents Kick off the new year with insight and inspiration! In our regular State of the Superintendency episode, we explore the latest trends shaping Michigan’s school superintendent landscape. Join us as we sit down with Greg Sieszputowski, M.Ed., Director of Leadership Development and Executive Search Services, and Jay Bennett, M.Ed., Assistant Director of Executive Search Services. Together, we’ll discuss how school boards can foster a productive, collaborative environment with both new and experienced superintendents—setting the stage for a successful year ahead! /episode/index/show/misoundboard/id/34759620

Supercharged Leadership: Michigan's Superintendent of the Year 12/11/2024

Supercharged Leadership: Michigan's Superintendent of the Year Our annual conversation with the Superintendent of the Year is back, and it's one you won’t want to miss! Join us as Bangor Township Schools Superintendent Matthew Schmidt shares the creative ways he’s helping students reach their potential and creating a productive school culture. /episode/index/show/misoundboard/id/34368730

Taking the Next Steps 11/22/2024

Taking the Next Steps The elections are over, and you have a few new faces at the board table. What now? Our guest on this episode of MISoundBoard is none other than MASB’s own Brad Banasik to answer common questions you may have. /episode/index/show/misoundboard/id/34096456

The Bottom Line is Students 11/08/2024

The Bottom Line is Students In this episode, we talk with Steve Colón, CEO of Bottom Line, a national organization that helps students from under-resourced communities succeed in college. Steve explains Bottom Line’s mission and shares how they support students in reaching their goals. /episode/index/show/misoundboard/id/33838567

Excellence in Assistance 10/25/2024

Excellence in Assistance Since 2005, the has been making a positive impact on Michigan students through a variety of charitable initiatives and grants. As a proud partner of the Foundation, we’re excited to welcome their Executive Director, Molly Mellema, to this episode of MI SoundBoard. Molly shares about the foundation’s current programs and talks to Don about securing funding and resources to support students across the state. setseg.org/foundation /episode/index/show/misoundboard/id/33573307

The Importance of Succession Planning 10/11/2024

The Importance of Succession Planning In addition to the shortage of teachers, districts are also experiencing a lack of applicants for business official positions. Bob Dwan, Executive Director of the Michigan School Business Officials, joins Don to discuss how current district employees can take proactive steps in succession planning. /episode/index/show/misoundboard/id/33408217

Being Schooled by AI 09/27/2024

Being Schooled by AI AI has become a central topic in conversations about not just public education but all aspects of our lives, and it’s a discussion that’s here to stay. On today’s episode, we’re joined by Aaron Baughman, Northville Public Schools' Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services, who has been integrating new AI tools into the district’s classrooms. Tune in to explore the exciting possibilities—and important precautions—surrounding this transformative technology. /episode/index/show/misoundboard/id/33217682

Board Elections 101 09/13/2024

Board Elections 101 With school board elections just around the corner, what should you be paying attention to? MASB’s Legal Counsel and Director of Labor Relations/Policy Brad Banasik, J.D. returns for this episode of MI SoundBoard to answer some of the most pressing questions he's been fielding and offer crucial insights to navigate this important period. /episode/index/show/misoundboard/id/33024387

Principal Principles 08/23/2024

Principal Principles In 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. /episode/index/show/misoundboard/id/32711467

Life Lessons from the President 08/09/2024

Life Lessons from the President In this episode, Don sits down with James Johnson, the newly appointed president of the MASB Board of Directors and a key figure from Carman-Ainsworth Community Schools. A dedicated advocate for public education and lifelong learning, James shares his insights and experiences from his long-standing commitment to education in his community. /episode/index/show/misoundboard/id/32501617

A Cautionary Budget 07/26/2024

A Cautionary Budget The 2024/2025 School Aid Budget has been signed into effect, and it’s creating a lot of questions. Join Director of Government Relations, Jennifer Smith, as she dissects the details and explores the background leading to this point. /episode/index/show/misoundboard/id/32278507

A Leader Inspiring New Leaders 07/12/2024

A Leader Inspiring New Leaders In this episode, meet Kelley Cusmano, the 2024-25 Michigan Teacher of the Year and Student Leadership Teacher at Rochester High School. Discover the passions that drive her classroom and learn why her community nominated her for this prestigious award. /episode/index/show/misoundboard/id/32102157

A New Age of Evaluation 06/21/2024

A New Age of Evaluation The Michigan legislature has spoken and there are new laws surrounding how you evaluate your superintendents. Hear from MASB’s own Legal Counsel and Director of Labor Relations/Policy Brad Banasik, J.D. along with Assistant Director of Executive Search Services Jay Bennett, M.Ed. about what you can expect from these changes. /episode/index/show/misoundboard/id/31822427

Proactive Choices, Safe Schools 06/07/2024

Proactive Choices, Safe Schools School safety is a crucial topic that requires our constant attention to enable proactive measures against violence. In this episode, we welcome back Kim Root, Manager of the Office of School Safety, to discuss the current state of school safety and the valuable resources her department provides to school districts. /episode/index/show/misoundboard/id/31634952

Filling Board Seats 05/24/2024

Filling Board Seats As it's an election year, will all of your seats be filled? Join Executive Director Don Wotruba and Assistant Director of Leadership Development Debbie Stair as they discuss the current state of boards of education in Michigan and why it's crucial to bring civic-minded individuals to the table. /episode/index/show/misoundboard/id/31434532

Re-envisioning Michigan's Public Education System 05/10/2024

Re-envisioning Michigan's Public Education System Join our Executive Director, Don Wotruba as he talks to Venessa Keesler, self-proclaimed data nerd and President and CEO of Launch Michigan, about the ways data, policy and advocacy can help Michigan students succeed. /episode/index/show/misoundboard/id/31178632

Preschool to Postsecondary to Prosperity 04/26/2024

Preschool to Postsecondary to Prosperity Learn more about the goals of the new Department with Acting Director Michelle Richard. /episode/index/show/misoundboard/id/30950728

Behind the Curtain 04/12/2024

Behind the Curtain In this episode, Rick Dernberger, who serves on the MASB Board of Directors, Ottawa ISD board, and Zeeland Public Schools board, takes on the role of interviewer, putting MASB Executive Director Don Wotruba, CAE, in the guest seat. They discuss the various services and benefits offered by MASB, the importance of ongoing education for board members, the history of the organization and more. /episode/index/show/misoundboard/id/30779903

Shaping Special Education 03/29/2024

Shaping Special Education Join us for a discussion on the evolving landscape of special education with Abby Cypher, the Executive Director of the . 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. /episode/index/show/misoundboard/id/30549108

Game On: Podcasting in Schools 03/15/2024

Game On: Podcasting in Schools 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 and collaboration are shaping the future of learning. /episode/index/show/misoundboard/id/30388048

From Local to National Impact 02/23/2024

From Local to National Impact 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. /episode/index/show/misoundboard/id/30083483

Your Questions, Our Answers 02/09/2024

Your Questions, Our Answers 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. /episode/index/show/misoundboard/id/29774148

Bizarre Bargaining Season 01/26/2024

Bizarre Bargaining Season 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. /episode/index/show/misoundboard/id/29665493

New Year, New MELG 01/12/2024

New Year, New MELG 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 , Robert Dwan, CFO, SFO from and Wendy Zdeb from the . /episode/index/show/misoundboard/id/29443153

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