MI SoundBoard

MI SoundBoard

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.

Episodes

October 10, 2025 36 mins

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.

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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.

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September 12, 2025 29 mins

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.

 

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August 22, 2025 34 mins

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.

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August 8, 2025 39 mins

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 settleme...

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July 11, 2025 44 mins

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 ...

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June 27, 2025 37 mins

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 in...

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June 13, 2025 43 mins

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?

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May 23, 2025 36 mins

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 vo...

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May 9, 2025 35 mins

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.

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April 25, 2025 45 mins

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 impor...

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April 11, 2025 38 mins

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, communicatio...

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March 21, 2025 41 mins

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.

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March 7, 2025 48 mins

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.

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February 21, 2025 38 mins

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.

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February 7, 2025 38 mins

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.

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January 24, 2025 39 mins

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 ye...

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January 8, 2025 39 mins

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...

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Our annual conversation with the Superintendent of the...

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November 22, 2024 36 mins

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.

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