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MI SoundBoard is the Michigan Association of School Boards' ongoing dialogue on the current state of public education in Michigan and nationwide. Listen along as MASB Executive Director Don Wotruba invites prominent education voices from across the nation to speak about what’s happening and the poss…

Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB)


    • May 23, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 39m AVG DURATION
    • 179 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from MI SoundBoard

    Swapping Seats

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 36:52


    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 seat to share his personal insights on the state of public education, MASB's mission and his experiences within the association. It's a fresh perspective on the familiar voices you've come to know.

    AI, Here to Stay

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 35:53


    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 future of education.

    Civil Discourse

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 45:58


    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 Director of the Center for Civic Engagement at Oakland University—for a thoughtful conversation with MASB Executive Director Don Wotruba, CAE. Together, they explore the importance of respectful dialogue, the role of civic engagement, and what we can all learn from choosing civility in challenging times.

    The Dream Team

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 38:40


    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.

    Innovation Formation

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 41:20


    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.

    One Team, Together

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2025 48:14


    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.

    Safe and Sound

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 38:26


    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.

    The Power of Your Words

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 38:39


    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.

    Your Voice, Our Priorities

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2025 39:19


    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.

    A New Year for Superintendents

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2025 39:15


    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!

    Supercharged Leadership: Michigan's Superintendent of the Year

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2024 39:53


    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.

    Taking the Next Steps

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2024 36:36


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2024 37:19


    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.

    Excellence in Assistance

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2024 31:44


    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, 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

    Accounting for the Business Officials in Education

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2024 41:33


    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.

    Being Schooled by AI

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2024 45:12


    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.

    Board Elections 101

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2024 30:45


    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.

    Principal Principles

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2024 43:32


    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.

    Life Lessons from the President

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2024 30:01


    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.

    A Cautionary Budget

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2024 35:26


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2024 41:11


    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.

    A New Age of Evaluation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2024 43:13


    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.

    Proactive Choices, Safe Schools

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2024 33:23


    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.

    Filling Board Seats

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2024 38:17


    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.

    Re-envisioning Michigan's Public Education System

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2024 38:27


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2024 35:59


    Learn more about the goals of the new MiLEAP Department with Acting Director Michelle Richard.

    Behind the Curtain

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2024 38:29


    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.

    Shaping Special Education

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2024 37:25


    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.

    Game On: Podcasting in Schools

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2024 42:02


    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.

    From Local to National Impact

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2024 39:29


    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.

    Your Questions, Our Answers

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2024 39:47


    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.

    Bizarre Bargaining Season

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2024 41:04


    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.

    New Year, New MELG

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2024 38:58


    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.

    Michigan Superintendent of the Year 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2023 45:15


    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.

    AI Evolution in Education: A Boardroom Odyssey

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2023 38:59


    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 and explores actionable insights for school board members to proactively shape policies in response to this evolving landscape.

    Conversations With Michigan's Teacher of the Year

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2023 37:36


    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.

    It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2023 52:16


    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.

    Building a Safer Tomorrow

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2023 38:36


    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.

    Literacy First

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2023 41:18


    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. 

    The Business of Schools

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2023 35:16


    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.

    New MASB Board of Directors President Kathleen Moore

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2023 30:44


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

    Boards That Learn Together, Lead Together

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2023 42:30


    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.

    A Sense of Belonging

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2023 42:39


    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, supported, and able to be themselves at school. Davis will present on Mental Health Through the Lens of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social-Emotional Learning at the upcoming 2023 Summer Institute on Friday, Aug. 11.

    Just Keep Searching

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2023 38:04


    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 in Michigan.

    The Robot Ate My Homework!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2023 43:55


    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.

    The Student Mental Health Crisis

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2023 41:16


    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.”

    Meet the 2023 Principal of the Year

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2023 41:12


    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.

    Keep It Civil Not Civil War

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2023 44:07


    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 school officials.

    Sharpening Board Member Skills

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2023 32:03


    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.

    Hot Topics on K-12 Legislation

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2023 36:03


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

    Budgeting Season Underway

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2023 43:04


    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.

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