Strengthening Leaders: Growing Through Mentorship
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…
Common Questions Related to Family Law
As the school year is well underway, school districts often face various family law related requests. These requests range from a parent’s access to student education records to parental decision-making authority over a child’s education. These requests are frequently accompanied by legal documents, such as a court order – which often lead to several legal questions. Two common legal questions often arise: (1) Can a non-custodial parent have access to their child’s…
When You Thrive, Schools Thrive: How MASSP is Investing in You
It feels like we were just at EdCon yesterday and now it’s already October – how time flies! Happy Principal’s Month! At MASSP, we know your time and resources are invaluable. That’s why we’ve been reflecting, planning and investing to better meet the needs you’ve shared with us. Just a few years ago, MASSP had 11 staff members. Today, we’re 20 strong (including our office dog!); all here to serve you under…
They Can’t All Be TikTokers: Engaging Students in STEM Careers with Free Learning Blade Resources
By: John Mullin, Learning Blade State Manager From building submarines to tackling epidemics, Learning Blade missions immerse students in real-world challenges that spark curiosity and unlock pathways to STEM, CS, and CTE careers they may have never imagined. An Easy, Fully Funded Way to Power Up Career Exploration in Your School As a former administrator, I know firsthand that principals are always looking for resources that not only engage our students but…
Legislature (Finally) Adopts 2025-26 K-12 Budget
After months of delay, the Michigan Legislature has reported out the 2025-26 School Aid Budget. The budget provides a number of positives including a $10,050 per pupil foundation allowance (a 4.6% increase), 25% increases to At Risk and ELL funding, 4.6% increases to other weighted funding line items (CTE, rural/isolated, GSRP, ISD general operations). Also notably absent are problematic elements from previous budget proposals like Governor Whitmer's so-called SMART school accountability proposal…
Student Voice in Action | From Titles to Tools: Turning Student Leaders into Stakeholders
Here’s the truth: One of the most overlooked resources in your building isn’t a grant, a new program or the latest tech. It’s your students. Specifically, your student leaders. Too often, we hand them a title and some merch, maybe a seat at a table, but not the real tools or responsibility to do meaningful work. The result? Student leadership looks good on paper, but doesn’t move the needle in your school.…
Leadership in Motion | Trust Is the Speed Multiplier
Navigating Change, Shaping Culture, and Driving Impact Opening Reflection Every principal knows what it feels like to be buried under competing demands. A parent is waiting outside your office. A teacher emails asking for clarity about grading practices. Central Office sends another directive. Meanwhile, the cafeteria is short-staffed and buses are late. In moments like this, speed matters. Schools can’t afford to get bogged down in suspicion, second-guessing, or endless loops of…
Leadership in Motion | Leaning Into Friction: Lessons From the Field
Last week I reached out to a colleague and was met with a response that spoke to the heart of what so many school leaders are carrying: “Thank you for reaching out … Right now my main concern is the blatant racism that is directed at my school and my student. The emails and phone calls are overwhelming. We stand alone in this fight and my students are feeling the weight of…
This Week in Politics in 5 Sentences (or Fewer)
On Wednesday morning, the House Education Committee kicked of what turned out to be a banger of a week when they passed HB 4556-7, legislation that would eliminate the SAT Essay and remove the statutory requirement that schools include student MME scores on their transcripts (those bills now move to the House floor for hopefully swift passage). On Thursday morning, the Senate passed SB 382-83 (bills that would codify the Michigan Achievement…
Gov, House, Senate Announce Deal In Concept on Budget, Roads
On Thursday evening, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Speaker Matt Hall, and Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks announced that they had "reached an agreement to pass the School Aid budget and state budget, including long-term road funding, before the end of the fiscal year," thus averting a state government shut down. What they did not announce was any details about what the budget portion of that deal included or how the road funding proposal…