A Promise for Education

Great teachers do more than educate—they inspire, connect and make a lasting difference. MASB Executive Director Don Wotruba, CAE, welcomes 2026–27 Michigan Teacher of the Year Erik Meerschaert of Lake Orion High School to discuss his journey in special education, the impact of unified sports and the importance of building connections that help every student feel valued. They also explore his goals for the year ahead and the importance of celebrating Michigan's educators.

In this special live edition of My Soundboard, recorded live at the 2026 MASB Annual Leadership Conference, Executive Director Don Wotruba sits down with Michigan State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko . Tune in as they dive deep into the evolving landscape of K-12 education in Michigan.

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.