Can you recall your first years as an administrator characterized by the promise of possibility, the weight of responsibility, and those quiet moments of doubt? Most principals describe that season as both energizing and overwhelming. That’s where MASSP’s Strengthening Leaders Program steps in. By pairing new principals with seasoned administrators, the program ensures that while the job can feel lonely, leaders are never alone.
This month, we spotlight the partnership of Joe Rommel, Principal of St. Joseph High School, and Steve Passinault, Veteran Principal of Forest Hills Central High School, who show how powerful mentorship can be in shaping confident, collaborative leadership.
A Protégé’s Perspective
For Joe, stepping into the principal’s office brought both excitement and uncertainty.
“As a new secondary principal, I was eager to connect with other practitioners from across the state,” he said.
Having a mentor from a district with similar challenges made the experience especially meaningful.
When faced with the high-stakes decision of changing the student entrance at graduation, Joe leaned on Steve’s perspective.
“He had practical conversations with me about the adjustment and helped me process the ceremony as a whole,” Joe said. “He innately understood the importance of the decision.”
Beyond single moments, Joe says his biggest takeaway has been mindset.
“The building leader is a confluence of stakeholders with different needs, values, and insight,” Joe said. “Creating systems while balancing those needs is a continual process. That perspective is something I’ll carry long term.”
The program’s structure also fit well.
“The monthly connection points were there when I needed them,” he said. “My mentor acted as a sounding board rather than just telling me what to do, which gave me more confidence in my own decision-making.”
A Mentor’s Wisdom 
With more than 25 years of experience, Steve knows the early years of leadership can be both defining and isolating.
“Being a principal can sometimes feel like being on an island, so I wanted to provide support and be a sounding board in what is a complex and stressful role,” Steve said.
He tries to offer what he once needed most: encouragement to see the big picture and delegate more effectively.
“I view my role as support,” Steve said. “I take my cues from Joe and use my experiences when applicable to help him further explore his thinking.”
Steve said he sees clear strengths in Joe.
“He has a good handle on the pulse of his school community and what is needed to enhance learning,” he said. “I hope I can support and encourage him to keep developing his ideas for moving the school forward.”
The Power of Connection
From the beginning, their relationship was rooted in authenticity.
“There was no sense of performance or grandstand,” Joe said. “It was a genuine desire to be supportive.”
Steve said mentoring was about finding ways to support Joe “without adding one more thing to his plate.”
That authenticity built trust—the foundation of their growth together. Joe said nothing meaningful happens without trust. His mentor agreed.
“Developing trust is paramount in any relationship,” Steve said.
The benefits ripple beyond them.
“I’d like to think it improves the decisions I make and therefore has a positive impact on my building,” Joe said.
Beyond the First Years
Both say the program has reshaped their perspective. For Joe, it’s the reminder that no leader is truly alone.
“There is a wealth of others experiencing the same highs and lows each and every day,” Joe said.
For Steve, the opportunity for reflection has been key.
“All good leaders need time to reflect on how to best lead their schools,” Steve said. “This program creates that framework.”
When asked what they’d say to encourage others to participate, Joe was practical.
“Make sure you have the time and support to be present during the school day,” Joe said. “Understanding where a person is on their journey helps MASSP target meaningful connections.”
His mentor’s encourages from a different angle.
“It can be helpful to have someone outside of your school with a different lens—to be that thinking partner so you don’t feel isolated,” Steve said.
Call to Action
The Strengthening Leaders Program proves that when experienced principals invest in new leaders, schools and communities thrive. Mentorship isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about walking the journey together, sharing wisdom and building confidence.
As you think back to your own first years, who stood beside you? How might you extend that same support to someone just starting out? MASSP invites you to join this work, whether as a mentor or protégé, so Michigan schools continue to grow strong leaders for generations to come.
To request a mentor coach:
👉 Mentor Request Form
To become a mentor coach:
👉 Mentor Coach Application