Knowing Your Value: Utilizing the MASSP Contract Guide to Negotiate Your Best Contract
The last five years have unquestionably demonstrated the importance of school leadership. The influence of the principalship can be seen in school culture, academics and even staffing. The value of the principal is unquestionably high. Research on developing principal pipelines demonstrates the desire to cultivate the best in new leaders to ensure opportunities for student growth and school success. Borrowing from our friends at the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators, In the…
The More You Know: Spring Session 2023 Wrap Up
It's time once again for an installment of "The More You Know," MASSP's occasional feature where we do a slightly deeper dive into the ongoing issues that matter to principals. The Michigan Legislature has wrapped up session and is now on summer recess, but they got plenty done earlier this spring and on their way out the door during the month of June. That makes this a perfect time to look back…
LegalEase | Déjà Vu: Search and Seizure in the School Setting
Several Michigan school districts recently banned backpacks at school because of safety concerns. There’s no sugarcoating that terrible reality. The demand for increased school safety means that school administrators are held to higher and higher standards to secure their buildings. Given the stakes, it’s important that administrators know exactly when and how they can conduct searches and seizures at school. This isn’t the first time the topic has been covered in this…
Building Bridges, Not Walls: Strategies for Fostering Positive Relationships between Administrators and Associations
As a principal I played a number of roles in my very large district of nearly 40 schools. One of those roles was as a member of our bargaining team. I was also responsible for keeping the wheels on a bus hauling more than 115 staff and 1,500 students. When we think of the EA in our schools we often think of contentious issues, challenging negotiations, grievances and more. We rarely think…
High School Esports Teams Crowned Best in State at WMU April 2023
On Saturday, April 29, the Michigan High School Esports League held the Spring 2023 Championship matches for three league game titles at Western Michigan University Esports Arena to wrap up the season. The event welcomed more than 160 attendees – with 80+ students – from across the state. Guests and spectators included teams from the league, MHSEL Prep (Middle school esports), partners, college/university scouts, parents, principals, board members and more. The action-packed…
Who Must Get an Individualized Development Plan?
IDPs play a vital, legally required role in evaluating probationary teachers, certain tenured teachers, and building-level school administrators and central-office administrators who are regularly involved in instructional matters. Teachers RSC Section 1249 mandates that schools develop an IDP for all teachers in their first year of probation, and for any teacher (tenured or probationary) who received a “minimally effective” or “ineffective” rating on their most recent performance evaluation. Even an “effective” or…
Modernizing Middle School: Hillside’s Journey from Good to Great!
Hillside Middle School in Northville has a lot going for it. I visited the school during Inclusion Week at Northville schools, and it was Superhero Day! Located in one of the most affluent suburban Detroit communities, they have no shortage of resources. Hillside Principal Bill Jones, rocking his Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles T-shirt, is going on his seventh year at the Middle School and has learned a lot in his leadership journey.…
Breaking Down Barriers: How EOS is Revolutionizing the AP Recruitment Process
Did you know that some groups of students are often overlooked for enrollment in advanced high school courses? It's true! Wouldn’t it be nice to have the tools and resources needed to identify these students, understand their barriers, and create an action plan to increase enrollment and close opportunity gaps? That’s where Equal Opportunity Schools (EOS) comes in. Watch this 2-Minute Video to learn what EOS is all about. We believe that every…
Celebrating Commencement Without Commencing a Lawsuit: A Guide to Graduation
Cue the “Pomp and Circumstance” – it is almost graduation season! In coordinating these momentous occasions, school officials should nevertheless proceed with caution, as seemingly small decisions can have significant legal consequences. Follow these guidelines to ensure that the festivities proceed smoothly and lawfully. 1. Student’s Right to a Diploma Graduating seniors may act out as they approach the end of their high school careers, especially in the form of senior pranks.…
Esports Through the Eyes of a Superintendent, Assistant Principal and Coach
I became Superintendent of Pinconning Schools in August. I presented esports and MHSEL to the board members during my first board meeting. I knew it was something that our students needed to experience and be part of. I presented the esports program at a former staff meeting over three years ago at my former high school. I couldn’t believe the information about the number of scholarships to universities and how the viewership…