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MI SoundBoard

Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB)

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.

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  • 20 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 40 min
  • English

Episodes 20

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  • S1 · E207
    October 9 · 38 min

    Beyond the Cafeteria

    For many Michigan families, access to nutritious food is a challenge that doesn't end when the school day does. In this episode of MI SoundBoard, Executive Director Don Wotruba, CAE, speaks with Katlyn Cardoso, Director of Communications and Brand Strategy at Greater Lansing Food Bank, about how schools and food banks can work together to support families. They discuss rising demand for food assistance, connecting families with local resources during weekends and school breaks, and reducing stigma so families feel comfortable seeking help.

  • S1 · E206
    September 24 · 35 min

    Leading the Way

    In this episode, Executive Director Don Wotruba sits down with new MASB Board President Pam Dickinson to explore her personal journey and motivations for joining her local school board. Pam shares her core goals for the year ahead alongside key reflections and lessons learned from her time in educational leadership.

  • S1 · E205
    September 11 · 39 min

    Own Your Swag

    Get a sneak peek at what's in store for this year's Annual Leadership Conference on this episode of MISoundboard! We're joined by Mimi Brown, CSP, one of the 2026 ALC keynote speakers, for a preview of her general session on establishing and using your voice as a leader. Tune in for a taste of the insights, inspiration, and energy she'll be bringing to the conference!

  • S1 · E204
    August 20 · 47 min

    The Legal Horizon

    Back-to-school season means the return of Brad's Legal Tips for every school district! Brad Banasik, J.D., Legal Counsel and Director of Labor Relations/Policy, is back with timely legal insights and practical advice to help school districts navigate today's biggest challenges. From Title IX to the growing complexities of FOIA, Brad breaks down what school leaders need to know to stay informed, prepared and compliant.

  • S1 · E203
    August 7 · 48 min

    A Promise for Education

    In this episode of MISoundBoard, we sit down with Venessa Keesler, Ph.D., President and CEO of Launch Michigan, to explore the Michigan Education Guarantee—what it promises for students and how its vision can become a reality in classrooms across the state.

  • S1 · E202
    June 26 · 35 min

    Literacy Meets Law

    In this episode of MISoundBoard, we sit down with Jen Saylor, Ph.D., NBCT-R, Director, and DeNesha Rawls‑Smith, M.A.Ed., Literacy Unit Manager at the Michigan Department of Education, to unpack Michigan's newest student literacy law. They break down what the legislation means for districts, how its structures support stronger literacy outcomes, and the practical steps leaders can take to ensure every student benefits. For more information about the law, visit michigan.gov/mde/services/academic-standards/literacy/k-12-literacy-and-dyslexia-law

  • S1 · E201
    June 12 · 33 min

    National Advocacy

    What's happening in Washington, D.C., that could shape the future of Michigan public schools? Don Wotruba talks with Dr. Phelton Moss, Ph.D., Managing Director of Government Relations from the National School Boards Association, about the advocacy work happening on behalf of public education nationwide and the federal issues currently affecting Michigan districts.

  • S1 · E200
    May 22 · 31 min

    Bicentennial Bits & Banter

    It's MISoundBoard's 200th episode—and we're flipping the script! In this special milestone edition, MASB Board Liaison Brooke Wooley, Ed.S., steps in as host to interview Executive Director Don Wotruba, CAE. Tune in as Don reflects on 200 episodes of insights, stories, and impact—plus answers a few fun and unexpected questions along the way.

  • S1 · E199
    May 8 · 37 min

    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.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.

  • S1 · E198
    April 17 · 40 min

    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 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.

  • S1 · E197
    March 27 · 39 min

    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 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.

  • S1 · E196
    March 13 · 34 min

    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 for hockey helped inspire his career in education.

  • S1 · E195
    February 27 · 42 min

    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.

  • S1 · E194
    February 13 · 44 min

    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 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.

  • S1 · E193
    January 30 · 41 min

    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 issue, how schools can better retain educators, and how universities can help bring the next generation of teachers into the classroom.

  • S1 · E192
    January 9 · 40 min

    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 transformative programs she has implemented across the district. These initiatives are expanding opportunities, fostering equity, and empowering both students and staff to thrive.

  • S1 · E191
    Dec 12, 2025 · 46 min

    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 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.

  • S1 · E190
    Nov 21, 2025 · 40 min

    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 passion for building exceptional learning environments, the ways she empowers teachers to do their best work, and the leadership philosophy that drives her success.

  • S1 · E189
    Nov 7, 2025 · 45 min

    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 what districts should be preparing for in the coming fiscal year.

Showing 1–20 of 20 episodes