What if Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood wasn’t just a children’s program? What if it was actually a blueprint—one proven to help teachers, families and communities raise happier, healthier kids?

In their acclaimed keynote talk, Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski, authors of the bestselling book When You Wonder, You’re Learning: Mister Rogers’ Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids, reveal Fred Rogers as an ingenious scientist and a legendary educator who was decades ahead of his time.

Fred engineered every aspect of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood to help kids develop “tools for learning,” the skills and mindsets now deemed essential for school, work and life. In a moving presentation that has inspired audiences around the country, Gregg and Ryan explore Fred’s fascinating methods, empowering school board members, educators, and caring professionals everywhere to build Neighborhoods of their own: places that equip every child to become the best of whoever they are.

Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski, The Grable Foundation and Co-authors of When You Wonder, You’re Learning

In this interactive breakout session, keynote speakers Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski will explore “The Fred Method,” sharing examples of how whole communities can apply Fred Rogers’ lessons. Together, school board members will make “little bets” designed to make their districts a little bit more like Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood: places where students feel cared for and safe, where educators and families listen deeply and speak lovingly, and where learning happens everywhere.

Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski, The Grable Foundation and Co-authors of When You Wonder, You’re Learning

Public school safety has never been more vital than it is today. Shepherd Public Schools has a uniquely healthy and positive relationship with our local police department that represents an additional layer of safety and protection for our entire school community. We wish to share with others how we've established and continuously maintain this special connection. 

Chief Luke Sawyer, Shepherd Police Department; Terry Starr, Superintendent and Jason Wolf, Principal, Shepherd Public Schools

As the need for mental health support has increased dramatically over the last several years, so has the level of support provided through the Van Buren Intermediate School District. In this session, we will cover our vision, our implementation plan and our current strategy for monitoring the mental health and social emotional learning support provided to each of the 11 districts within our county.

Cheryl-Marie Manson, Director of Instructional Services, Paula Kana'an, Mental Health Clinician Supervisor, and Laura Vanderbeek, Mental Health Clinician, Van Buren ISD

Passing a bond can have a dramatic impact on your district and student learning environments, but that's just the beginning. Understanding how and when to recapture debt, manage sinking funds and create a bond cycle are fundamental pieces of maintaining great facilities. Board members play a key role in this process. In this session, Tri County Area Schools will present their journey through passing a bond, the challenges they faced, and lessons learned along the way.

Rob Atkins, President, Kingscott Associates; Al Cumings, Superintendent and Jill Fennessy, Board President, Tri County Area Schools

As your source for education data in Michigan, join us to explore the vast resources freely available within MI School Data that support school leaders and local boards of education in decisionmaking. Learn to locate student counts, enrollment, mobility and graduation data, plus examine student assessment, school accountability and PK-20 programs. Check out the new policymaker persona or the dashboard and education focus areas for a 30,000-foot view of your district. Bring your device and join us for a hands-on tour! 

Kristi Martin, Director of Management Technology, Jennifer Parker, Ed.D., MI School Data State Coordinator of Professional Development and Rhonda Provoast, Ph.D., Educational Consultant, Macomb ISD 

Michigan's third graders are still struggling in education, with only 40.9% of them reading at grade level. TalentFirst remains a strong advocate for the crucial importance of helping students read proficiently by third grade. To address the Michigan literacy crisis, we have created a dashboard to assist parents, school boards, policymakers, educators and community partners in gaining understanding, asking questions, and implementing immediate solutions. Solving the problem begins with awareness.

Lisa Hungerford, Director of Education Innovation, TalentFirst 

To move from a culture of mistrust and chaos, the Farmington Public School board members, together with our superintendent, spent the past year working hard to develop new relationships with one another. Relationships based upon mutual trust, collaboration and a deep commitment to meeting the needs of our students. Learn about the tools we developed and implemented that resulted in this metamorphosis, then use these tools as springboards to begin crafting plans to increase trust, collaboration and deep commitment in your school district.  

Cheryl Blau, Ph.D., Board President and Christopher Delgado, Ph.D., Superintendent, Farmington Public Schools 

This session will examine findings from a recent study of long-serving superintendents in Idaho and Michigan to explore practical, real-world, pragmatic approaches to improving board-superintendent relationships. We will also help participants develop or strengthen the skills needed to facilitate effective school governance and grow leadership capacity to implement forward-thinking educational opportunities for students and staff.

Wilfred Cwikiel, Ed.S., Superintendent, Beaver Island Community Schools and Heather Williams, Boise State University 

How do we prepare kids for global competition in college and career? What can we learn from others’ hard work? Join us as we make connections between high-performing education frameworks and the built environment. We will consider what types of spaces, and their characteristics, best support high-performing learning activities. Let’s grow together in our exploration of how kids learn best!

Laura Casai, IIDA, LEED AP, Vice President and Senior Educational Strategist; Nandita Mishra, Intl. Assoc. AIA, ALEP, LEED AP, Vice President and Senior Educational Strategist, TMP Architecture, Inc.; Christopher Timmis, Ed.D., Superintendent, Dexter Community Schools

New buildings require more creativity and flexibility in design than ever before to meet the current and future needs of students. Learn how the West Bloomfield School District designed and built a new middle school that balanced the need for increased safety features with a unique design that allows for pod-based learning. Learn how the building was funded and designed to support the school climate and culture, attract and retain teaching staff, and promote innovation in teaching and learning.

Dania Bazzi, Superintendent and Stacy Brickman, Board President, West Bloomfield School District 

The conversations around educator retention have primarily focused on pay scales or "grow your own" models, but research suggests that the reasons educators are leaving or not entering the field are far more complex. Together, we will identify the four key steps your board can take to improve educator retention and build healthier staff cultures in your schools. Participants will not only walk away feeling motivated to make change, but they will also feel equipped to take the next right step in making our schools places where our educators want to work.

Betty Rosen-Leacher, Board of Education, Vice President, Milan Public Schools and Rebekah Schipper, Executive Director, Opportunity Thrive

Understand the basic steps and practical tips for navigating the collective bargaining process. This session will provide a legal update on collective bargaining agreements and discuss critical issues related to FMLA, FLSA, employee benefits, grievance procedures, as well as union dues and other deductions.

MaryJo Banasik, Associate and Ray Davis, Shareholder, Thrun Law Firm 

Rashell Bowerman, Educational Consultant, Michigan Department of Education

Do you have student voices at the board table? This session will focus on how the superintendent and board of education can engage and develop relationships with students through the implementation of the superintendent's Student Advisory Council with representation at board meetings, a strong presence on social media, school visits and visibility within the community.

Glenn Maleyko, Ph.D., Superintendent, Violet Souweidane, Ph.D., Student Empowerment Facilitator, and Jim Thorpe, Board President, Dearborn Public Schools

Tina Kerr, Ph.D., Executive Director and Sarena Shivers, Ed.D., Deputy Executive Director, Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators 

While some obsess about the consequences and threat of mind-blowing AI chatbots on education, commerce, politics and more, a public-private partnership has spent nearly a decade building a digital user-interface and navigator that leverages responsible AI and machine learning to improve engagement, career and college readiness, reduce educator workload, and improve outcomes in pursuit of zero dropouts, zero suicides, zero poverty and zero unemployment. The Maven project powered by Google Cloud will provide a glimpse into the future of learning.

Colin Ripmaster, Deputy Executive Director, and Tom Lietz, Associate Director of Training and Development, Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals

School boards have a difficult role to play in serving the needs of students, parents, citizens and school staff in their respective districts. Setting policies and goals for the district requires continual research and review. Establishing and implementing clear security and safety objectives is crucial to ensuring an environment exists where all students can learn. Join us for an overview of items to review and questions to ask when considering your district's security.

Dan DiBardino, Security Consultant, Recon Management Group 

The pandemic has caused havoc in communities throughout the world, and school districts have faced unprecedented challenges. Throughout and after the pandemic, Huron Valley Schools took a unique approach to engage community stakeholders by remaining transparent and communicative. This session aims to provide board members with tools they can use to react to difficult community circumstances, dispel misinformation, and continue building relationships.

Paul Salah, Ed.D., Superintendent and Tom Wiseman, Board President, Huron Valley Schools 

Equity ensures that all students, regardless of their backgrounds, abilities, or circumstances, have access to the resources, opportunities, and support they need to succeed. It recognizes diverse needs and challenges, aiming to eliminate disparities and provide equal growth opportunities. Collecting student voices involves actively seeking and incorporating students' perspectives in decision-making processes related to their education. This fosters a sense of ownership and engagement, improving educational systems and experiences for all students.

Brooke Davis, LMSW, Director of Diversity, Equity and Mental Health Services, Kenowa Hills Public Schools 

If you want to evaluate your buildings and make strategic, impactful decisions that align with your district's goals, you need a plan. While it may sound simple, a solid plan requires exploration, insight, knowledge, communication, and a lot of listening. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to this process, and every district, whether large or small, urban or rural, faces unique challenges and opportunities.

Chatoris Jones, Senior Director of Operations, Detroit Public Schools Community District; George Kacan, Education Sector Leader, Wightman 

David Hornak, Ed.D., Superintendent, Holt Public Schools; Gwen Pettit, Comprehensive Energy Solutions Partner, Trane 

Ferndale Public Schools uses a data analysis process that involves all stakeholders and ensures that data is not used as a weapon. This comprehensive process includes data protocols at all levels, from the school board to district administrators to school-based administrators. With this approach, we develop actionable plans that promote the development of students, teachers and leaders. Join us to learn more about our process and how it could be implemented in your district.

Camille Hibbler, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, Tom Maes, Curriculum Coordinator, and Tiwanya Robinson, Curriculum/SACC Coordinator, Ferndale Public Schools 

This presentation will highlight the critical role of the board of education in supporting a new superintendent. Drawing on best practices and research, we will discuss strategies and approaches that boards can implement to help new superintendents thrive in their roles. Topics will include mentorship, ongoing professional development, creating a positive working environment, and effective communication. Attendees will leave with practical tools and insights to foster a supportive and successful relationship between the board and superintendent. 

Jennifer Goodman, Superintendent, Pewamo Westphalia Community Schools 

Discover your pivotal role in your organization's change journey through the PCIHO framework. In this interactive session, you will explore how your actions and decisions can positively or negatively impact your organization's goals. Gain practical insights and tools to contribute effectively to transformation efforts. Join us and become a catalyst for change within your organization!

Dawn Kaiser, Ph.D., Board Vice President, Iosco RESA 

Attorneys and policy specialists from Neola and MASB will provide guidance and answer questions on issues that school boards have addressed or will be considering in their policy updates.

Brad Banasik, J.D., Legal Counsel/Director of Labor Relations and Policy, MASB; Amanda Clapp, Esq., President and Board Chair, Neola; and Charyn Hain, Partner, Varnum LLP 

In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, it is essential for school board members to secure and effectively utilize state and federal grants to drive positive change and advancement within their districts. This dynamic session will empower school board members with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate the complexities of state and federal grants. Through interactive discussions and expert insights, participants will learn about State and Federal Grants, Allowable Purchases, and Braiding Grants with the General Fund. By the end of this session, attendees will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to support their districts in optimizing state and federal grants.

Kimberly May, Ed.S., Board Treasurer, Wayne-Westland Community Schools and Director of State and Federal Programs and Continuous Improvement, Plymouth Canton Community Schools

Unleashing Extraordinary Leadership: Embrace the Power of No Assumptions

Join us for an unforgettable and thought-provoking session with Rodney Page. In this captivating presentation, Rodney will explore the transformative potential of effective leadership, breaking down the barriers of assumptions and fostering a culture of open-mindedness. Get ready to be surprised, engaged, and inspired to take your leadership to new heights.

Rodney Page, Full Engagement Experience

Get the most up-to-date information about the upcoming elections, what to expect on your ballot, and all the legislative happenings in Lansing and Washington, D.C.

Jennifer Smith, Director of Government Relations, MASB

Student voices play an invaluable role in shaping education and the future. As the world experiences continuous transformation, the perspectives and insights of students are more critical than ever in shaping educational policies and decisions. This engaging session brings together a diverse group of exceptional students who have demonstrated leadership, resilience, adaptability and innovation.

Student Panel

Learn how to start off on the right foot as a new board member or superintendent. In this session, a superintendent and board president will share their recent experiences in taking on these important roles. They will discuss building foundational knowledge, creating a shared vision, and developing a trusting working relationship.

Anders Hill, Superintendent and Amanda Massaway, Board President, Houghton Portage Township Schools 

As the frequency of violent acts in schools increases, it is crucial for districts to be prepared and respond effectively in the event of an emergency. Districts should identify security concerns, develop crisis management plans, and implement protections and protocols to keep their school communities safe. In this session, learn how to create a comprehensive security plan, address anxieties, and communicate with the community so if the unthinkable happens, you can be prepared with a clear, controlled and decisive plan.

Steve Privasky, Associate Administrator, SET SEG; Jason Russell, President, Secure Education Consultants

If you suspect that someone is stealing from your organization or are concerned about the possibility, it is essential to act quickly. Understanding the potential impact of fraud and theft on your organization and implementing best practices can help prevent such incidents from occurring. In this session, you’ll learn more about these topics to protect your organization from potential harm. 

Chuck Story, CPA, CFE, Director of Operations, Rehmann

In 2022, Michigan had 132 fire fatalities. To address this issue, the Michigan Fire Marshal has launched a new program that focuses on preventing fires and carbon monoxide incidents. The program has been piloted in four cities across the state, and each of them has received awards for their efforts in promoting education about fire safety. Join us to learn how you can increase safety in your community.

Kymberly Pashkowsky, MI Prevention CRR Chief and Kevin Sehlmeyer, State Fire Marshall, State of Michigan Bureau of Fire Services

According to a recent journal, school board meetings have become a battleground in the culture war. Public comments have become more combative and are directed at school board members, staff, and teachers, and there is no opportunity to directly respond to hurtful or incorrect statements. This has made some board members hesitant to attend. The moderator of this session will encourage discussion between attendees using Paolo Frier's problem-posing model to address specific concerns and frame approaches for optimal response.

Jason Eyster, J.D., Board Vice President, Chelsea School District 

At Ypsilanti Community Schools, we are unapologetic about interrupting systems that create institutional barriers. Our equity statement, created by the superintendent and board, encourages every employee to prioritize student voice, choice, and agency, fostering a sense of belonging. This session will help board trustees lead with an equity-focused lens, resulting in improved student outcomes. We will demonstrate our use of both/and thinking in making informed decisions that positively impact our students and community.

Celeste Hawkins, Board President and Alena Zachery-Ross, Ed.D., Superintendent, Ypsilanti Community Schools 

Communicating effectively with the community has become increasingly challenging. While email and social media are two methods districts rely on, it's important for school districts to think outside of the box and provide the board with additional ways to share concerns and celebrations with the public. This presentation explores how one district used podcasting to create new lines of communication and the positive response it has received from the local community.

Christopher Lewis, Ed.D, Board Treasurer and Adam Spina, Ed.D., Superintendent, Williamston Community Schools 

What does it take to be an effective problem solver, build trusting relationships, and positively impact student achievement? How can an expanded toolkit of powerful questions boost interaction at the board table? Participate in this highly interactive and hands-on session to experience how evidence-based strategies can enhance deliberation and decisionmaking, and help you understand the individual and governance team preparation necessary to make it all work.

Tracy Hart, Board President, Kenowa Hills Public Schools; Deb Macon, Consultant, MASB; Tracey Troy, President, Michigan PTA 

D09 Navigating Leadership Transitions: A Roadmap for School Boards During Superintendent Successions

This session is designed to equip school board members with the essential knowledge and strategies needed to effectively handle superintendent transitions. We will explore the critical aspects of leadership succession, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities that arise during this pivotal period.

Jay Bennett, M.Ed., Assistant Director of Executive Search Services, Greg Sieszputowski, M.Ed., Director of Leadership Development and Executive Search Services, Debbie Stair, M.N.M.L. Assistant Director of Leadership Development, MASB

After the COVID pandemic, Hazel Park recognized the need for additional services in our schools. How can you support and unite the community to address a wide range of needs? In this session, we will discuss our current progress and our goals for the future.

Stephanie Dulmage, Executive Director of Learning and Assessment, Karla Graessely, Director of Community Schools, and Amy Kruppe, Ed.D., Superintendent, Hazel Park Schools 

Board members understand that protecting district assets and reputation is critical, and cybersecurity is an essential component of that protection. As threats become more sophisticated, districts must remain vigilant. By implementing effective cybersecurity strategies, you can help safeguard your district against potential data breaches, financial loss, and damage to your reputation. Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue, but a business issue, and requires the support of everyone within the organization to ensure success.

Steve Privasky, Associate Administrator, SET SEG 

What is bias? We are all biased in some manner. Do you know how to identify your own biases and mitigate their impact on policy adopting and decisionmaking? Join us for an interactive session on acknowledging and interrupting bias while governing at the board table. 

Sandra Dukhie, Board President and Margaret Schultz, Assistant Principal of University High School, Ferndale Public Schools

Michael Ristich, Board President, Waterford School District 

AI is revolutionizing education by personalizing learning, identifying knowledge gaps and improving teaching methods. AI-powered systems can adapt curriculum pace, provide tailored resources and feedback, and automate feedback and grading. By analyzing student data, AI can also assist with curriculum design. These advancements will make education more efficient and effective, with the potential to connect with every student through personalized learning. As a school board member, it is important to understand the benefits of AI as your district navigates through this rapidly changing landscape.

Justin Bruno, Assistant Director of District Programming and Ken Dirkin, Senior Director of MVLRI, Michigan Virtual 

This presentation will focus on how working as a team consisting of a school counselor, school social worker, school psychologist, and school nurse can provide services that address the needs of the whole child. We will review the multidisciplinary structure and explain how each team member provides interventional support that complements one another, resulting in an outcome where a student is able to thrive.

Hendrina Cupery, MSN, RN, NCSN, President-Elect, Michigan Association of School Nurses; Nicole Wilbur, MSW, LMSW Clinical and Macro, SSW, Communications Liaison, Michigan Association of School Social Workers 

Leaders in school communities play an essential role in creating a healthy school nutrition environment and providing services to help reduce hunger among students. Discover how your leadership, support, and guidance can improve learning and health outcomes for the whole child. Also, learn how school meals can positively impact the school community and improve your bottom line.

Speaker TBA, No Kid Hungry 

E08 Telling a Better Story

Jessie Stickler, M.A., Director of Communications, Public Relations and Marketing, MASB 

Assertiveness, Leadership, and Influence for Women provides a supportive space for participants to explore how emotional intelligence helps build sustainable relationships and resilience to combat stress. Participants will practice projecting a more positive presence to handle challenging situations with enhanced confidence. They will also learn how to use positive intent and find common ground to create mutually beneficial outcomes, addressing the unique problems women face in the workplace.

Kate Henson, MBA, Board Secretary, Chelsea School District 

The Board's Role in Superintendent Success Workshop will identify how a board goes about overseeing the superintendent, and how this responsibility is reflected in the day-to-day work of this governing body. The event will provide attendees with guidance on the contract, discuss behaviors of effective superintendents, and more.

The 2023 edition of the Michigan Council of School Attorneys Fall Conference includes sessions for school board members and other school officials that focus on trending legal issues impacting school districts. The MCSA Board of Directors invites you to attend this unique conference to learn about the latest updates and details on complying with school-related laws and court decisions from school law attorneys who work directly with boards of education and their superintendents.