Dear MAISA Members,

As we close another successful MAISA Summer Conference, I want to begin by expressing my gratitude to the planning committee, Jason Mellema, and the more than 20 ISD superintendents who helped shape an outstanding event. The energy, collaboration, and commitment to Michigan students were evident in every conversation, presentation, and networking opportunity. Thank you for investing your time and leadership in making this gathering meaningful for our members and partners across Michigan.

I also want to recognize outgoing Board Chair Paul Hungerford for his dedicated service to MAISA. Paul's leadership, thoughtful guidance, and unwavering commitment to Michigan's students and educators have helped move our organization forward during a period of significant change and opportunity. We are grateful for his contributions and the example he has set for all of us.

Finally, I encourage members to engage with Dr. Jason Jeffrey and the Legislative Committee as they gather regional input to help establish MAISA's legislative priorities for the 2026-27 membership year. The strength of MAISA's advocacy comes from the collective voice of our members, and your insights will help ensure our priorities reflect the needs of students, educators, and communities throughout Michigan.

Here are my Three Things:

1. Standing Together for Michigan Schools

As state budget discussions continue, MAISA remains actively engaged in conversations that have significant implications for Michigan's educational landscape. We are closely monitoring legislative actions that could affect school funding, education investments, and programs that directly support students and families.

In partnership with MDE, MiLEAP, and other statewide organizations, we are working to ensure that Michigan educators' voices remain at the center of these discussions. Whether addressing funding challenges, implementing new legislative requirements, or advancing long-term policy priorities, our collective advocacy is critical. The challenges ahead are complex, but our commitment to supporting students and protecting learning opportunities remains unwavering.

2. Investing in Teaching, Learning, and Leadership

One of MAISA's greatest strengths is our ability to bring educators together around effective practices that improve student outcomes. Across the state, literacy and mathematics leaders continue to build momentum through coaching networks, professional learning opportunities, and collaborative problem-solving.

This summer's Early Math Leadership and Annual Early Literacy Coaching Institutes are excellent examples of that commitment in action. At the same time, MAISA and its partners continue to expand opportunities in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and media literacy, helping educators navigate a rapidly changing educational environment with confidence and purpose.

When we invest in educators, we invest in students. The work happening across Michigan demonstrates the power of professional learning, collaboration, and shared leadership to drive meaningful change.

3. Building Resilient Systems for the Future

Strong schools require strong systems. Through collaborative initiatives such as MiSecure, MiCloud, MiDataHub, and the upcoming Continuity of Operations Planning Guide, MAISA continues to help districts strengthen the infrastructure that supports teaching and learning every day.

Cybersecurity, data management, and continuity planning may not always be visible to students and families, but they are essential to ensuring schools can operate effectively during both routine operations and unexpected disruptions. The new Continuity of Operations Planning Guide represents an important step forward in helping districts prepare for emergencies, recover more quickly, and maintain critical services when challenges arise.

This work reflects what MAISA does best: bringing people together to solve problems, share expertise, and create solutions that no single organization could accomplish alone.

Thank you for your continued partnership, leadership, and commitment to Michigan's students. The work ahead is important, and I am grateful to be part of a community that consistently demonstrates what is possible when we work together.

We are truly Better Together,

j

June 2026 Highlights

• August Institutes
• Continuity of Operations Planning Guide (COPG)
• Michigan DataHub Strategic Roadmap
• AI Events

Literacy & Math

• 120 Bay and Arenac Educators Gather at BAISD to Strengthen Student Attendance Supports 
• Building Coaching Capacity Across Michigan: Celebrating Another Successful Year of Intensive Literacy Coaching Institutes

Operations & Innovation

• Is Your District Prepared? Help Shape Michigan's New Continuity of Operations Guide
• Invitation to Help Shape the Michigan DataHub Five-Year Strategic Roadmap
• Java with John: Episode 7

Upcoming Events 

• 2026 Early Math Leadership & Annual Early Literacy Coaching Institutes 
• MEMSPA Summer Leadership Institute Opens Leadership Learning Opportunity for Teachers
• AI & Media Literacy Leadership Collaborative
• Michigan AI & Media Literacy Conference
• 2026 Michigan Community Schools & Family Engagement Conference

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 May 2026 edition.

• August Institutes: Registration is open for the 2026 Early Math Leadership Institute (August 3–5) and the Annual Early Literacy Coaching Institute (August 5–6) at the Lansing Center in Lansing.
• Continuity of Operations Planning Guide (COPG): Michigan school districts are invited to review and provide feedback on this new disaster recovery planning guide before its official release this fall.
• Michigan DataHub Strategic Roadmap: Districts are encouraged to collaborate on a single response to a survey regarding a five-year strategic roadmap by Friday, July 10, 2026.
• Leadership and AI Events: Upcoming opportunities include the MEMSPA Summer Leadership Institute (July 28–29), the "Train-the-Trainer" AI & Media Literacy Leadership Collaborative, and the Michigan AI & Media Literacy Conference.
• Community Schools & Family Engagement Conference: This event is scheduled for September 29–30, 2026, in Mt. Pleasant.

Is Your District Prepared? Help Shape Michigan's New Continuity of Operations Guide

• Is your district prepared to restore your data center from scratch?
• Which of your data systems are the most critical?
• Which systems have dependencies on other systems?
• How long does it take to restore them?

While these aren't exclusive to cybersecurity, they frequently come up when school districts respond to a major cyberattack like ransomware. They are equally critical during natural disasters or localized emergencies, such as a fire or water damage. Preparing for the "continuity of operations" in response to these events is a core part of an overall disaster recovery plan.

But where do you start? The Michigan Education Technology Leaders (METL) and the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators (MAISA) have created a "Continuity of Operations Planning Guide" (COPG) to help schools develop a practical road map for disaster recovery.

The COPG is scheduled for release this fall. METL volunteers, working alongside MiSecure and MiSEN, have spent countless hours mapping out which systems districts rely on most and detailing the specific considerations involved in restoring each one.

Before we publish, we are seeking feedback from the community. Because disaster recovery impacts everyone, we need input not just from IT staff, but from every department. You can insert comments publicly into the Google Document or submit them privately using the Google Form.

Matt McMahon, Director of MiSecure, recently discussed this initiative with Dr. John Severson, Executive Director of MAISA, on an episode of Java with John, watch here (3). Please share this work and this feedback opportunity with all of your teams—including transportation, business, facilities, and food services. While IT departments understand the technical implications of server restoration, they may miss critical operational impacts and day-to-day priorities. This is your opportunity to help shape this document into a valuable tool for all Michigan schools.

Invitation to Help Shape the Michigan DataHub Five-Year Strategic Roadmap

The Michigan DataHub has partnered with Double Line and LearningMate to develop a five-year strategic roadmap. This effort will help guide our next phase of work and strengthen collaboration with MiGreatDataLake and the Center for Educational Performance and Information (CEPI).

The primary purpose of this survey is to gather your feedback and help prioritize various data-related use cases. Your input will directly inform how all three entities (CEPI, MiDataHub, and MiGreatDataLake) collaboratively design, automate, and deploy future data services. Our ultimate goal is to maximize the local value of your data, simplify compliance, and return valuable administrative time to your district staff.

Important: A Collaborative, Single-District Response

This survey reaches across pupil accounting, state reporting workflows, human resources, and instructional analytics. As a result, you will likely need input from several people across your organization to complete it.

We encourage technology directors, data coordinators, HR/business managers, and curriculum leaders to review the questions together. To ensure data accuracy, please collaborate to submit a single, comprehensive response per district.

Survey Logistics

• Survey Link
• Deadline: Please complete and submit your district's response by Friday, July 10, 2026.
• Questions or Support? If you have any questions or need clarification on any items within the survey, please reach out to Bryan Smith at bryan.smith@kresa.org or create a ticket at MiServiceDesk.com.

Thank you in advance for your time, leadership, and partnership. Your insights are vital to ensuring that state-level development priorities and solutions align directly with the real-world needs of Michigan districts.

Java with John: Episode 7

Episode 7 of Java with John, a MAISA podcast designed as a collaborative space for Michigan's ISD leaders—fostering a statewide network of peers and thought partners is now live! Each episode offers valuable insights, strategies, and discussions that navigate the complexities of educational leadership. 

In Episode 7, John is joined by Matt McMahon, Project Director of MiSecure, to discuss initiatives shaping education in Michigan.

Listen now: 

• Episode 7 with Matt McMahon, Project Director of MiSecure

MiSecure is seeking volunteers to review the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) before its release. Your feedback will help ensure the plan is clear, accurate, and aligned with the operational needs of stakeholders across Michigan.

If you are interested in participating, please complete the interest form.

We'd love your feedback and ideas for future episodes! Email us anytime at javawithjohn@gomaisa.org.

2026 Early Math Leadership & Annual Early Literacy Coaching Institutes 

Registration is now open for both the 2026 Early Math Leadership Institute (August 3–5, 2026) and the Annual Early Literacy Coaching Institute (August 5–6, 2026) at the Lansing Center. 

These events offer a unique opportunity for Michigan education leaders, coaches, and consultants to connect, learn and launch the 2026–27 school year with aligned goals and strategies. 

Be sure to secure your spot early and reserve your hotel before rooms fill up. Visit the registration site and hotel reservation page today to make your plans.

Early Math Registration

• Early Math Event Registration
• Hotel Registration

Early Literacy Registration

• Early Literacy Event Registration
• Hotel Registration

MEMSPA Summer Leadership Institute Opens Leadership Learning Opportunity for Teachers

Michigan teachers are invited to attend the Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association’s (MEMSPA) Summer Leadership Institute on July 28–29 in Muskegon. 

The event will feature three keynote speakers, 20 educational thought leaders, 12 School Continuous Improvement for Educational Success and Health (SCESH) sessions, and two days of professional learning focused on strengthening leadership skills and advancing educator impact.

MEMSPA has announced a discounted teacher-only rate if your school or district brings a team of 4 or more leaders. Please email Jessa@memspa.org to receive the discount code before members of your team register.

AI & Media Literacy Leadership Collaborative

The AI & Media Literacy Leadership Collaborative is a comprehensive experience designed to turn educational leaders into internal experts. Using a "Train-the-Trainer" approach, this professional learning empowers you to lead AI and media literacy initiatives within your own building or district. Through a combination of a two-day in-person workshop followed by asynchronous personalized coaching, you will gain the skills and resources to drive meaningful change in your local school.

Participants who fully participate in the experience will receive a $100 stipend.

This project is funded by REMC Association and a grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Education.

Choose one of 15 locations across the state for the two-day in-person workshop. Each location is limited to 40-50 participants depending on the location with additional sessions at Washtenaw ISD, Ottawa Area ISD and Wayne RESA, due to demand.

Michigan AI & Media Literacy Conference

Artificial intelligence and digital media are transforming how students learn, create, communicate, and think. The Michigan AI & Media Literacy Conference, hosted by MACUL, MASL, Michigan Virtual, and REMC, is designed to help educators navigate these changes with confidence, creativity, and practical classroom strategies.

Day 1 is designed specifically for K–5 educators and support staff, while

Day 2 focuses on grades 6–12—ensuring sessions are relevant, practical, and tailored to your students and classrooms.

Whether you are just beginning to explore AI or already integrating it into your work, this conference will inspire new ideas and provide meaningful tools for the year ahead.

2026 Michigan Community Schools & Family Engagement Conference

When: September 29-30, 2026

Where: Comfort Inn & Suites and Conference Center, located at 2424 S Mission St, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 

Cost: $159

Hotel: $98/night (state rate). Reserve your room here.

About the Event

Family engagement is a partnership among families, students, educators, and community partners built on trust, respect, and common goals, so that every learner thrives.

The event, co-hosted by the Michigan Community Schools Coalition (MCSC) and Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), will spotlight the work of the 10 Regional MiFamily Engagement Centers and 155 community schools dedicated to building, growing, and sustaining key family engagement and partnership practices across the state. 

This event will also feature the release of the long-awaited revised version of the MiFamily: Michigan’s Family Engagement Framework and introduce the Michigan Community Schools Coalition as a multi-stakeholder, multi-organization coalition committed to strengthening and growing the practices that help children thrive in schools, families, and communities.

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