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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 MASB's Legal Counsel and Director of Labor Relations and Policy, Brad Banasik, J.D., to share highlights from the conference and offer practical advice on how your board can stay proactive and prepared.

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 heart have shaped his journey.

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 practical ways to foster innovative mindsets in public education—and how to bring everyone along on the journey.

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 passion for learning, Dale shares what he's looking forward to most this year.  

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 high school, as well as the current state of college graduates in the state.

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 Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators, and Bob Schindler, attorney at Miller Johnson and legal representative in the case, to break down what the settlement means for districts. Learn what steps administrators can take now to prepare for the coming changes to superintendent retirement compensation.

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 leaders face when funding is uncertain. Drawing on his deep experience in school finance, Kent shares practical insights on navigating budgeting obstacles and what to keep in mind as the year unfolds.

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 communication. In this episode, we're joined by MASB's own Education Programming Manager, MacKenzie Feldpausch, M.A., our in-house DISC expert. MacKenzie shares insights into how DISC can transform the way boards collaborate, connect, and lead together.

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 truly invest in understanding their data?

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.