Classroom & Board: Considerations for Renting Out School Facilities
Allowing organizations from outside of the district to rent school facilities or grounds can provide a community benefit, maximize use of amenities, and in some cases, establish an additional stream of income. Opening facilities to the public can, however, lead to increased risks and liability. Administrators receiving facility use requests must be mindful of board policies and legal requirements prior to approving or rejecting such requests. Review Board Policies and Requirements If…
Settlement Reached in ORS Lawsuit
By Dr. Tina Kerr, Executive Director, Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators Late Tuesday, the Michigan Court of Claims approved a final settlement agreement in MASA's long-standing lawsuit against the Office of Retirement Services (ORS). The case – originally filed in 2019 – has been before the courts multiple times to challenge ORS’ implementation of state law, which significantly impacted public school employees’ pension contributions and the calculation of their final average compensation (FAC).The settlement divides…
This Week in Politics in 5 Sentences (or Fewer)
On Tuesday, the House K-12 Appropriations Subcommittee continued budget hearings this week, taking testimony from members of the Michigan Personalized Learning Taskforce: Dr. Rebekah Redmer (Executive Director of Innovative Programming, Jenison Public Schools) presented on shared time, Mitch Cummings (Director of Offsite and Alternative Learning, Berrien Springs Public Schools) spoke to the ways in which current state accountability systems discourage alternative education programs, and Lisa Sitkins (President and CEO, LSS Connections and…
April is Career Exploration and Awareness Month: Empowering Students for the Workforce of Tomorrow
As part of April’s statewide Career Exploration and Awareness Month, Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) are spotlighting critical tools, programs, and initiatives that help Michiganders prepare for rewarding careers in today’s evolving workforce. For our members, as principals, this is a valuable opportunity to deepen career readiness efforts and connect students to the many pathways Michigan has to offer—college, credentials, career technical education, and more.…
Embracing Discomfort, Overcoming Mental Blocks, and Unlocking Creative Growth
In the dynamic world of education leadership, discomfort isn’t just inevitable—it’s necessary. Whether you’re navigating shifting policies, leading staff through change, or reflecting on your personal growth, discomfort often signals an opportunity for transformation. The ability to sit with discomfort is what separates those who grow from those who stay stuck. Rather than viewing discomfort as a barrier, successful leaders see it as the gateway to breakthroughs in creativity, leadership, and personal…
Gathering Meaningful Feedback from Students: A Key to Effective School Leadership
As educational leaders, we collect feedback from a wide range of stakeholders - district leadership, building staff, parents, community members and more. Sometimes we request this feedback and sometimes it’s offered unsolicited! But how often do we collect the most critical feedback - feedback from our students? Now in my tenth year as a building administrator, I’ve come to view student feedback as one of the most essential tools for leading a…
From Vision to Action: MASSP Board Explores the Future of AI in Education
Last week, members of the MASSP Board of Directors and staff joined me at the ASU+GSV Summit—an international gathering of more than 13,000 education leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and policymakers focused on the future of learning, technology, and equity. At the center of this year’s summit was a powerful and timely theme: How artificial intelligence is reshaping education and how school leaders must lead the charge to ensure that transformation is thoughtful,…
Investing in Ourselves to Better Serve Our Schools
I know how hard it can be to step away from our buildings. There’s always something that needs our attention, and it’s easy to feel like we have to be there every moment to keep things running smoothly. Stepping away, even for a short time, can feel uncomfortable — what if something goes wrong? What if we’re needed? The fear of the unknown often keeps us tethered to our desks, our radios…
This Week in Politics in 5 Sentences (or Fewer)
The Michigan Legislature returns from spring recess this coming week, with lawmakers expected to resume work on the state budget and the House Education and Workforce Committee likely to pick up where it left off before the break, having been busy moving and hearing several education bills. Just before recess, the Committee approved a series of bills including HB 4155 (requiring MDE to create a vetted list of curriculum and assessment vendors),…
Quick Tips | April 2025
As the school year nears its final stretch, it’s time for principals and administrators to focus on key priorities to ensure a smooth and successful wrap-up. The following quick tips highlight essential actions to streamline teacher evaluations, finalize master schedules, optimize budgets, and plan for year-end activities. By taking proactive steps now, you can support your team, enhance staff satisfaction, and prepare your school for the upcoming academic year. Amy Pashak, Principal,…