MI SoundBoard
Education & Explainer
About
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.
Episodes
- It's Time to Get On Board
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.…
- The MELG Summit 2026
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…
- Budget Battle
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 f…
- A Slap Shot State Superintendent
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…
- Not the Solution Education Needs
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.
- Your New District Leaders
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 th…
- The Story in the Data
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…
- Celebrate Progress
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…
- A Trail Forward for Mental Health
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 Partnersh…
- Leading With Support
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…
- A Belated Budget
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 w…
- Beyond the Horizon: Legal Highlights from ALC
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 MAS…
- Making Connections With Them
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 hea…
- Innovate to Overcome
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…
- MASB Board President Changeover
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 p…
- An Opportunity for Every Student
The Michigan College Access Network 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…
- Settling Retirement
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…
- On a Budget
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 lead…
- Curbing Conflict
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…
- Big Results Come From Small Details
On this episode of MISoundboard , we sit down with Doug LeFleur, Vice President of Business Development at Munetrix, to dive into the often-overlooked world of school data. What insights—and opportunities—can districts uncover when they tr…
- Swapping Seats
In this episode of MISoundBoard, we're turning the tables once again. Yasmeen Youngs, the MASB Board of Directors' Member-At-Large, joins us as the interviewer rather than a guest. MASB Executive Director Don Wotruba, CAE, takes the guest…
- AI, Here to Stay
AI is evolving fast—and reshaping the way we live, learn, and teach. In this episode, we welcome back Justin Bruno, AI Strategist at Michigan Virtual, to explore the latest trends in artificial intelligence and what they mean for the futur…
- Civil Discourse
In today's often polarized climate, even school governance isn't immune to political tension. That's why fostering civility among school board members is more important than ever. Join David Dulio, Ph.D.—political science professor and Dir…
- 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 Associatio…
- 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 progr…
- 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…
- 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 lang…
- 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 last…
- 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…
- 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.…
- 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 potentia…
- 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.
- 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 re…
- Excellence in Assistance
Since 2005, the SET SEG Foundation 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, Moll…
- 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 distric…
- 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' Assistan…
- 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…
- 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 fir…
- 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, Jame…
- 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.
- 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 prest…
- 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 Exe…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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.
- Preschool to Postsecondary to Prosperity
Learn more about the goals of the new MiLEAP Department with Acting Director Michelle Richard.
- 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 di…
- Shaping Special Education
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 im…
- 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…
- 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, MAS…