MI SoundBoard Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB)

In the early 1980s, Huey Lewis sang “I'm taking what they giving 'cause I'm working for a livin'. . .” With all the post-secondary opportunities available, this hopefully is no longer the case. In this episode, Cindy Kangas, Executive Director of the Capital Area Manufacturing Council, talks with us about how CAMC and similar organizations are partnering with school districts and manufacturing companies to show students career path options they can be excited about.

MASB’s leadership changes over this month with Steve Hyer from Clarkston Community Schools stepping up to serve as Board President. He joins us to talk about what he is looking forward to this year and also shares how he got into board service and how it has influenced other areas of his life.

Parental involvement is integral to a strong and successful school environment. We spoke with Marcy Dwyer from the Michigan Parent Teacher Association about how parents can get involved in their district along with what the Michigan PTA has been up to recently and the resources they provide.
*This episode was recorded before the Let MI Kids Learn coalition decided not to submit signatures to get on the ballot for the November 2022 election. As noted in this podcast, they can still submit signatures and, once approved by the Board of Canvassers, the initiatives could go before the Legislature for action instead of being voted on by all Michigan voters.

It’s a conversation we wish we didn’t have to continually have—how do we keep our kids safe at school? In this episode, Kim Root, Manager of the Michigan Office of School Safety, talks about creating a culture of proactive practices and how the OSS can help.

Superintendent turnover seems to be increasing each year, but the number of candidates to fill those roles isn’t keeping up. Greg Sieszputowski, M.Ed., MASB’s Director of Leadership Development and Executive Search Services, along with Jay Bennett, M.Ed., MASB’s Assistant Director of Executive Search Services, talk about some of the trends they are seeing and how a district can better plan for and train future leaders.

Sports officiating has become a more high-pressured career and recruiting is more challenging than ever. We spoke with Lowell A. Winne Jr., President of the Southwest Michigan Officials Association and registered official with the Michigan High School Athletic Association, about the promise he sees in the field and his personal experiences as an official.