Michigan now requires districts to provide mentor support for all school administrators, excluding superintendents, within their first three years in a new position. With dedicated grant funding from MDE becoming available soon, districts have an opportunity to align compliance with meaningful leadership development. MASSP’s Strengthening Leaders Program is ready to partner with you to provide mentor-coaches and support building confident, capable leaders.
As districts and school leaders begin planning for the 2026–27 school year, it is important to remember Michigan’s requirement to provide mentor coaching for administrators who are new to their role. This is more than a compliance task; rather, it is a critical investment in leadership success and system stability.
Under MCL 380.1249b, districts must assign a mentor or coach to each school administrator—excluding the superintendent—during the first three years that the individual serves in a new administrative position. This requirement applies both to first-time administrators and to experienced leaders who transition into a different administrative role. In many ways, this requirement reflects what we know to be true: leadership development is most effective when it is intentional, sustained and supported.
With staffing decisions and leadership transitions often taking shape during the spring and summer months, now is a good time for districts to consider how they will ensure compliance with the law while also supporting new administrators as they step into complex leadership responsibilities. Planning ahead allows districts to move from a reactive approach to a more strategic, supportive onboarding experience for new leaders.
Grant Funding Available
Districts are not expected to shoulder the full cost of mentor coaching independently. The State School Aid budget provides grant funding to support these services, including a dedicated $1.5 million annual allocation to support school administrator mentoring. This funding represents an opportunity to align fiscal responsibility with high-impact leadership development.
Under Section 27h, districts may apply for grants of up to $3,000 per administrator per year for mentor coaching. To qualify, programs must align with Michigan’s mentor coaching standards and be provided through an established professional organization program that has been reviewed and approved by the Michigan Department of Education.
The Michigan Department of Education is still finalizing details of the grant application process. However, we anticipate that applications will open this spring, with grant funding available beginning this summer to support administrators during the 2026–27 school year. Being prepared to access these funds will position districts to both meet requirements and maximize available resources.
Supporting New Leaders Through MASSP’S Strengthening Leaders Program
As districts prepare to meet the requirements of state law, MASSP remains committed to supporting school leaders and the systems that help them succeed. Our focus is not only on meeting the mandate, but on strengthening the impact leaders have within their schools and communities.
MASSP’s Strengthening Leaders Program provides high-quality, standards-aligned support designed to accelerate leadership development, strengthen instructional leadership, and build confidence in the complex responsibilities facing today’s administrators. The program includes pathways tailored both for first-time administrators and for experienced leaders who are new to their current roles, ensuring support is responsive to the unique challenges of each stage of leadership. Through this work, districts are not simply supporting individuals; they are building a stronger, more sustainable leadership pipeline.
For more information about MASSP’s Strengthening Leaders program, please click here.