Advertise on podcast: MI SoundBoard

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.