Dear MAISA Members,

As summer winds down, we know ISDs and local districts are preparing for the start of a new school year. Please reach out if you need anything. Please also note that my three things will always relate more to the ISD superintendent. I ask that you consider sending the InSiDe Update to team members who may benefit from the information, and that you provide feedback at the end of the document. Here are my three things:

1 - Scholarship Grant Organizations (SGOs) 

a) MELG Partnership 

Behind the scenes, MELG executive directors are discussing how to work together on our communications and approach. Legal reviews, communications, resources, and potential partnerships are part of that discussion. MASA will have an update this coming Monday, and more information will be available in the coming weeks.

b) ICYMI: Two webinars that will help your understanding 

1) AASA has a series of webinars on SGOs. Here is a link to their webinar landing page. 

2) Metro Bureau Presents SGOs (Collins and Blaha). Here is the link for more information and registration.

2 - FY 2027-28 Legislative goals and focus. We are just getting started!

Thank you, MAISA members, for your initial regional input. Dr. Jeffrey (chair of the MAISA Legislative Committee) and I met with Mr. Ladd to review that input and compare it with the current tone in Lansing. Mr. Ladd will now further align by working with a number of Lobbyists. Throughout the process, we will ensure that the legislative committee continues to gather input and reflections from each region. Once a proposal is completed (over the coming months), the MAISA board will consider its recommendation.

3 - Amazing learning is underway in Lansing

Educators from across Michigan are gathering next week for MAISA’s Early Math Leadership and the Annual Early Literacy Coaching Institutes. If you would like to attend any part of the PD, please email Melissa Reinelt at mreinelt@gomaisa.org, and we will register you. 

We are truly Better Together,

j

July 2026 Highlights

• Early Math Leadership and Early Literacy Coaching Institutes
• Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and Michigan Virtual Partnership
• Disciplinary Literacy in Action Conference

Stories From the Field-Literacy

• PreK Learning Lab shows impact at Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA)
• Disciplinary Literacy in Action Conference Hosted by Wayne RESA

Operations & Innovation

• Michigan Statewide Education Network (MiSEN) August 2026 Updates
• Now Accepting Nominations for the 2027 Michigan Superintendent of the Year
• Michigan Department of Education partners with Michigan Virtual on statewide AI guidance for K–12 schools

Celebrations 

• 2026 MAISA Early Math Leadership and Annual Early Literacy Coaching Institutes
• MAISA General Membership Meeting

Note: Please click "View entire message" at the bottom of this email to view the full newsletter!

Previous InSiDe Updates

Want to view the previous edition of the InSiDe Update? Click here to view the June 2026 edition.

• Early Math Leadership and Early Literacy Coaching Institutes: The 2026 MAISA Early Math Leadership and Annual Early Literacy Coaching Institutes will kick off next week in Lansing, bringing together education leaders from across Michigan to strengthen instruction, foster collaboration and drive systems-level improvement ahead of the 2026–27 school year.
• Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and Michigan Virtual Partnership: MDE and Michigan Virtual announced a new partnership to release an Artificial Intelligence Guidance Resource for K–12 schools, positioning Michigan as a national leader in the responsible integration of AI in education.
• Disciplinary Literacy in Action Conference: The conference equipped educators with strategies for implementing Place-, Problem- and Project-Based Learning, reflecting Wayne RESA's ongoing commitment to strengthening instructional practices across disciplines throughout the year.

PreK Learning Lab shows impact at Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA)

Disciplinary Literacy in Action Conference Hosted by Wayne RESA

Michigan Statewide Education Network (MiSEN) August 2026 Updates

Michigan Department of Education partners with Michigan Virtual on statewide AI guidance for K–12 schools



New state guidance and Michigan Virtual's AI Planning Guide form a framework for districts navigating artificial intelligence integration. Learn more here.

Now Accepting Nominations for the 2027 Michigan Superintendent of the Year



Each year, the Michigan Superintendent of the Year Award honors an educational leader who has demonstrated exceptional effort and dedication to enriching the lives of students and the broader school community. This prestigious award recognizes strong leadership, creativity in meeting the diverse needs of students, exemplary communication skills, professionalism, and active community involvement.

Who will this year's winner be? It starts with you! To nominate a Superintendent and/or learn more, please visit the MASA website.

All nominations must be received by 5:00 p.m. on September 4, 2026.

MASA’s 2027 Superintendent of the Year award is made possible with support from our partners at Michigan Virtual.

2026 MAISA Early Math Leadership and Annual Early Literacy Coaching Institutes

The countdown is on!

In just a few days, education leaders from across Michigan will gather at the Lansing Center for MAISA's 2026 Early Math Leadership Institute, Aug. 3-5, and Annual Early Literacy Coaching Institute, Aug. 5-6.

The institutes will bring together nearly 500 instructional leaders, coaches and educators to explore strategies that strengthen early mathematics instruction, advance literacy coaching and support student success. Participants will engage in professional learning, collaborate with colleagues from across the state and prepare for the 2026-27 school year.

Together, attendees will share ideas, strengthen partnerships and advance systems-level approaches that support teaching and learning across Michigan.

Safe travels to everyone joining us in Lansing. We look forward to seeing you!

Thank you to Michigan's ISD superintendents for your continued partnership and support of these statewide professional learning opportunities.

MAISA General Membership Meeting

What: 2026 MAISA General Membership Meeting

MAISA’s General Membership Meeting will be held, November 5-6, 2026, during the MAISA Fall Conference at Washtenaw ISD in Ann Arbor. 

When: November 5-6, 2026

Join us for a dinner reception on November 5 for an excellent opportunity to connect with colleagues in a relaxed setting and enjoy a delicious meal. The dinner reception is included in your conference registration.

If you do NOT plan on attending the evening reception, please contact Barbette Lane at blane@gomaisa.org.

Where: Weber's Boutique Hotel & Restaurant

A discounted hotel block is available at the Weber's Boutique Hotel & Restaurant in Ann Arbor. Book your room using this link or by calling the hotel’s front desk at 734-769-2500. When booking online click "book now" and use code ‘8914881,’ valid until October 5, 2026.

Note: The deadline for a full registration refund is Thursday, October 22, 2026. After this date, we are unable to process refunds as the final headcount for meals must be submitted.

Cost: $175.00

Visit the MAISA Event Site to view monthly calendars and upcoming meetings and events