Dear MAISA Members,

There is an undeniable strength in our collective efforts; we truly are Better Together! This month’s InSiDe Update serves as a testament to the profound impact of our membership, showcasing how MAISA members and our strategic partners are moving the needle for Michigan students. From celebrating the visionary leaders who guide our intermediate school districts to spotlighting the innovative work happening within ISDs and its impact in classrooms across Michigan, this issue dives into three critical areas where our collaboration is driving amazing results. Most importantly, there is something for everyone in this edition.

Here are my three things:

• Elevating Teaching & Learning through Professional Development and Technology System Improvement: Together, we are providing crucial tools and frameworks to support academic success, including the Literacy Day of Learning that reached 100 early educators, and the Instructional Rounds focused on early literacy and math system improvement. Michigan Education Technology Leaders (METL) continues to advance key statewide efforts, including preparing districts for new ADA digital accessibility requirements, addressing long-term technology funding challenges, and strengthening cybersecurity through tabletop exercises. A new “Visible Learning” series is also helping leaders better connect technology use to real instructional impact. Plus, security matters! Check out the MiSecure Status Report and information on future conferences and events below.

• Strengthening Strategic State Partnerships to Advance Education: Our collaborative efforts are centered on improving systems for all students, demonstrated by our continued partnership with the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) through the call for member reflections on Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan, our work with the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) and the vital administrative and paraeducator support programs offered through the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE). We appreciate our amazing partners!

• Honoring our ISD Leaders and Collaboration: This update celebrates significant transitions and milestones across our network, including the upcoming retirements of Superintendents Kevin Oxley, Teresa Belote, and Sean Williams, and the welcoming of new leaders like Maureen Keene and Nate Leale. Plus, we celebrate Alan Tulppo on his doctorate and continue our leadership conversations through the latest episode of Java With John.

We are Better Together,

j

• 100 Michigan Early Educators Gain New Tools in Literacy Essentials Training
• Reflecting on Michigan's Top 10 Strategic Education Plan: Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Survey
• Advancing Early Literacy, Math Across Michigan Through System Improvement: Instructional Rounds hosted by Washtenaw ISD, Ann Arbor Public Schools, and MAISA
• Bay-Arenac ISD Partners in Literacy event answers Governor Whitmer's call to strengthen early literacy: Parents, educators, and community partners explored how relationships, daily routines, and language-rich interactions help build literacy skills from birth
• Showcasing Impact and Innovation Centering the Statewide Early Math Project
• Explore MAISA's New PA146 Landing Page!
• MiCoach Compass: Update Spring 2026
• MiSecure Status Report: February 2026
• Michigan Education Technology Leaders (METL) Drive Regional Innovation 
• Honoring Leadership Across Michigan ISDs
• Java With John: Episode 5
• MAISA Seeks Participants for PA 146 Assessments and Data Workgroup
• 2026 MI Student Voice Survey
• Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) Administrator Mentoring & Coaching Program
• Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) Paraeducator Training
• MAISA Summer Conference Microsite: Join Us in Muskegon!
• Summit on Creating Safe Learning Environments: Part 2
• Literacy IO
• MAISA Office Closure: Spring Break

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 February 2026 edition.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

 MEDIA CONTACT:

Aundreana Jones-Poole

517-930-4919

LANSING, Mich. – Early educators across Michigan are gaining new tools to strengthen early literacy instruction through Literacy Day of Learning, an interactive training focused on evidence-based practices that support language, communication, and early reading development, giving them strategies they can immediately apply in their classrooms. 

“Every child deserves a strong start in literacy, and every provider deserves the resources and support to make that possible,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). “Literacy Day of Learning gives Michigan’s early educators practical, evidence-based strategies to help children build the language and literacy skills that shape their future.” 

In partnership with MiLEAP and supported through the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five Initiative (PDG B-5), Literacy Day of Learning highlights the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators (MAISA) Literacy Essentials, designed to strengthen early literacy development for Michigan educators. The training explores the Essential Instructional Practices in Language and Emergent Literacy: Birth to Age 3 and the Essential Instructional Practices in Early Literacy: Prekindergarten. 

“Early educators play an essential role in how children develop language and literacy,” said Emily Laidlaw, deputy director at MiLEAP overseeing the Office of Early Education. “The conversations they have with children, the books they read together, and the environments they create every day all shape how young learners grow. Literacy Days of Learning give early educators practical strategies they can use right away to strengthen those everyday moments.” 

During a sold-out session held in Grand Rapids as part of the 2026 Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children (MiAEYC) Annual Conference, 100 early educators explored practical, classroom-ready strategies that support developmentally appropriate instruction, responsive interactions, and intentional learning environments. The session was led by a team of educators from the Mecosta-Osceola Intermediate School District - Michelle Sweet, Tricia-Smith-Bennett, and Justin Fox. 

“This training was incredibly helpful because it connected research with real classroom practices,” said Ashley Storm, Lead GSRP Teacher for Perry Lower Elementary with Perry Public Schools in Shiawassee County. “I walked away with new strategies for encouraging conversation, using books more intentionally, and creating learning environments that support early literacy. It gave me ideas I’m excited to put into practice right away with the children in my classroom.” 

Each session includes six hours of instruction that may count toward licensing professional development requirements. 

Providers interested in participating can register for an upcoming session taking place in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula: 

Marquette 

• Thursday, April 9, 2026 
• 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  
• Lunch provided 
• Training is free with registration for the 2026 Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children UP Conference. 

MiLEAP is also hosting additional literacy-focused training events for child care providers and families across the state, including in Big Rapids, Jenison, and Clare. Those interested in regional literacy events should contact their local MiFamily Engagement Center coordinators. 

These trainings also support Michigan’s broader effort to strengthen literacy outcomes statewide. MiLEAP and the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) recently released “Every Child Reads: Next Steps Forward,” a strategy outlining how Michigan is strengthening literacy from early childhood through graduation for all students. The plan focuses on early starts, use of proven methods, and extra support for struggling readers.  

Literacy is the foundation for lifelong success, and every child deserves a strong start. MiLEAP and Michigan leaders are working together to provide students with the tools and support they need to build lifelong reading, writing, and communication skills. 

To learn more about Michigan’s work to strengthen early literacy and ensure every child reads, visit the “Every Child Reads: Next Steps Forward” webpage. Educators can also learn more about Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) on their webpage, including free training opportunities for eligible educators. 

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About MiLEAP

Established by Governor Whitmer in 2023, MiLEAP’s mission is to improve outcomes from birth to postsecondary so anyone can ‘make it in Michigan’ with a solid education and a path to a good-paying job. To learn more about MiLEAP, go to Michigan.gov/MiLEAP.

About the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators (MAISA)

The Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators is comprised of superintendents and administrators representing the Intermediate School Districts (ISDs) of the State of Michigan. ISD administrators provide and coordinate essential services to their constituent school districts to facilitate teaching and learning.

Dr. John Severson, executive director of MAISA, and Dr. Glenn Maleyko, Michigan’s state superintendent, are pictured.

We extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Glenn Maleyko, Michigan’s State Superintendent, for serving as the featured speaker at MAISA’s 2026 Spring General Membership Meeting in East Lansing.

His presence—alongside colleagues from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE)—marked an important step in strengthening the collaborative partnership between MDE and Michigan’s ISD leaders. Together, we share a commitment to improving systems, supporting educators, and enhancing outcomes for students across our state.



As we continue building a working relationship with Dr. Maleyko and his team, MAISA members have a meaningful opportunity to help inform Michigan’s Strategic Education Plan. MDE has created a survey inviting education leaders to share perspectives on how Michigan’s education system can continue to grow, improve, and evolve.

Dr. Severson has also shared with Dr. Maleyko the many opportunities MAISA members have identified for deeper collaboration with MDE. Your reflections will help strengthen this partnership and inform future priorities.

Your voice matters. MAISA members are encouraged to take a moment to complete the survey by clicking the link or scanning the QR code to share your Reflections on Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan.

Instructional Rounds hosted by Washtenaw ISD, Ann Arbor Public Schools, and MAISA



Educators from across Michigan recently came together, March 5-6, for MAISA’s Early Literacy and Math Instructional Rounds, a professional learning experience designed to provide participants with the tools and knowledge necessary to lead instructional rounds within their own districts.

Hosted by Washtenaw Intermediate School District (ISD), participants engaged in learning about the powerful professional learning and school improvement process of instructional rounds. Time was spent learning the purpose and role instructional rounds can play in professional learning, school improvement, and increasing student achievement. Led by Steve Seward, educators explored structured approaches to instructional rounds, learned how to gather actionable insight, and reflected on elements of future district or building implementation. 

The second day, attendees had an opportunity to engage in an instructional round as participants in Ann Arbor Public Schools. This deepened the learning by experiencing the process prior to taking it back to lead locally. 

This event highlights MAISA’s commitment to fostering professional learning that directly impacts student outcomes, empowering educators with practical tools, collaborative frameworks, and structures that support building and district instructional systems.

Parents, educators, and community partners explored how relationships, daily routines, and language-rich interactions help build literacy skills from birth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Maggie Wisniewski 

Family Engagement and Literacy Hub Coordinator 

MiFamily Engagement Center - Region 5 

dwanm@baisd.net 

BAY CITY, Mich. (March 19, 2026) - Bay-Arenac ISD and the Region 5 MiFamily Engagement Center recently welcomed 45 parents, educators, and community partners to Partners in Literacy: Birth–3 Early Literacy Essentials, a hands-on event focused on helping adults build young children’s literacy skills through meaningful relationships, daily routines, and language-rich interactions. Held March 19, the event featured interactive learning, practical tools, guided reflection, and peer collaboration centered on literacy development from birth to age three. 

Participants included representatives from organizations and programs such as Head Start, Starting Strong, Early On, and Help Me Grow, along with parents, caregivers, and early childhood professionals who all play an important role in supporting young children and families. 

The event focused on the power of connection and engagement as the foundation for early literacy. Through shared learning and discussion, participants explored how literacy development is supported not only through books, but also through the simple, consistent interactions that happen every day: talking during routines, singing, noticing and naming things in the environment, responding to children’s cues, and building language through play, care, and conversation. 

Research-based learning was woven throughout the session, emphasizing that the first three years of life lay the foundation for lifelong literacy and that caregivers can strengthen language and literacy through everyday interactions rather than relying on flash cards, tablets, or expensive materials. 

The event also aligns with Michigan’s broader literacy focus. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has called literacy “an ordinary superpower that every child deserves,” and her administration’s Every Child Reads strategy emphasizes early starts, proven methods, and extra help so more children become strong readers, writers, and communicators.

“Events like Partners in Literacy help turn literacy priorities into practice,” said Amy Vallad, Early On and Help Me Grow Michigan coordinator at Bay-Arenac ISD. “When families, educators, and community organizations come together around shared strategies, they strengthen the support system around young children and make literacy-building moments part of everyday life.” 

By bringing together multiple sectors that support children and families, Partners in Literacy reinforced a shared message: early literacy grows through relationships. When adults understand how to embed language and learning into feeding, dressing, playtime, story time, transitions, and other daily routines, they are better equipped to build strong foundations for children long before formal schooling begins. 

For Bay-Arenac ISD and the Region 5 MiFamily Engagement Center, the event reflects an ongoing commitment to equipping families and professionals with practical, research-based tools that support children’s development and strengthen family engagement from the earliest years. 

About the Event Partners in Literacy: Birth–3 Early Literacy Essentials was held March 19, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Bay-Arenac ISD. The session was designed to build participants’ confidence and skills in supporting early literacy for children from birth to age three through interactive learning, reflection, and collaboration. 

For more information about Michigan’s Every Child Reads initiative and family literacy resources, visit the MiLEAP Every Child Reads and Read With MI pages. 

For more information about the Region 5 MiFamily Engagement Center and its initiatives, please contact: 

Maggie Wisniewski Family Engagement and Literacy Hub Coordinator MiFamily Engagement Center - Region 5 dwanm@baisd.net 

Photos attached: Photos from the March 19 Partners in Literacy: Birth–3 Early Literacy Essentials event at Bay-Arenac ISD, featuring parents, educators, and community partners participating in interactive learning and discussion focused on early literacy, daily routines, and family engagement. 

We’re excited to share new resources to support educators navigating the implementation of PA146!

• PA146 MAISA Landing Page Video: Click here to watch a video navigating you through the updated MAISA PA146 landing page—your central hub for guidance, resources, and updates.
• PA146 Early Literacy Task Force (ELTF)/Disciplinary Literacy Task Force (DLTF) Landing Page: Click here to access the landing page.

MiCoachCompass has released its Update Spring 2026 newsletter, providing coaches and administrators with important updates related to tracking and managing coaching work. 

New enhancements include the ability for teachers to appear on multiple coaches’ active lists, batch CSV uploads for creating teacher profiles, and the option to manually edit the start date of coaching cycles so records better reflect when the work actually began. 

Also included in the newsletter are recordings from the January and February 2026 webinar sessions, covering technical support, data storytelling, and strategies for connecting coaching data to impact.

To read the full newsletter, click here.

The Michigan Education Technology Leaders (METL) continue to serve as a proactive force in educational technology, fostering collaboration across Michigan’s ISDs to address emerging regulatory requirements and sustainable funding models. Following their February 2026 meeting, several key initiatives are moving forward to support student success and operational efficiency statewide.

Navigating New Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Digital Accessibility Standards



METL has shared information to support ISDs and local districts in preparing for the new Federal ADA digital accessibility regulations. These rules impact all public-facing digital content, including websites, videos, and third-party links.

• Key Deadlines: Districts with 50,000+ residents must comply by April 2026, while those under 50,000 have until August 2027.
• Compliance Focus: Standards include Level AA requirements such as closed captions for all videos, alt text for images, logical heading structures, and keyboard navigation.
• Resources: The University of Michigan has self-guiding modules for ADA compliance training. EduPaths is working with Alt + Shift to update ADA compliance training courses.

Advocating for Sustainable Technology Funding

In a recent review of the Governor’s Executive Budget recommendations, METL identified a critical "Equity Challenge." As pandemic-era funding expires and hardware costs rise, many districts face a "fiscal cliff" that could force difficult choices between basic operations and essential device refreshes. METL members are actively documenting "sustainability stories" to share with legislators, emphasizing that technology infrastructure is a foundational, long-term requirement for modern education that cannot rely solely on one-time grants.

Strengthening Cybersecurity Through Tabletop Exercises

The MiSecure team, in partnership with the METL Cybersecurity Task Force, launched a new series of 15-minute tabletop exercises. These simulations are designed to help ISD leadership test response readiness, identify gaps, and provide support to local districts. These exercises were shared at the March 18th METL meeting. 

Bridging Technology and Learning: The Visible Learning Series

METL has launched a strategic internal professional learning series designed to help ISD leadership move from tracking "technology usage" to measuring "instructional impact." This series provides a roadmap for technology leaders to partner with Teaching & Learning departments to ensure digital investments result in measurable academic growth.  

The series is structured into three critical phases:

• Session 1: Understanding Impact (Theory) – Shifting the mindset from "the tool" to "the practice." This session establishes that while technology itself has no inherent effect size, the instructional practices it enables (like feedback and peer tutoring) do.
• Session 2: Measuring Impact (Evidence) – Moving beyond activity data (logins/screen time) to hunt for evidence of learning. This session provides a "Leaders' Checklist" to help ISDs identify data points that actually influence instructional decisions.
• Session 3: Influencing Conversations (Action) – Framing the narrative for Superintendents and Boards. This upcoming session focuses on the specific talking points required to align IT and Administration around a shared vision of accelerated learning.

The Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators (MAISA) recognizes the outstanding contributions and milestones of leaders across Michigan's intermediate school districts (ISDs).

Jackson County ISD: A Legacy of Leadership

After 17 years of dedicated service, Kevin Oxley, Superintendent of Jackson County ISD, will retire on June 30, 2026. Throughout his tenure, Kevin's leadership has strengthened facilities, expanded shared services, promoted equity in special education, and created more opportunities for early childhood and postsecondary learning—all while keeping students, families, and educators at the heart of every decision.

As JCISD welcomes a new chapter, Maureen Keene, Ed.S., steps in as superintendent. With nearly 30 years in education, including 20 in administrative roles, Maureen has demonstrated leadership as JCISD's Assistant Superintendent and Director of Special Education. 

St. Joseph County ISD: Celebrating a Distinguished Career

Teresa Belote, Superintendent of St. Joseph County ISD (SJCISD), will retire June 30, 2026, after nearly 32 years of service. Teresa's steady leadership has enriched opportunities for students, educators, and the broader community. As the district searches for its next superintendent, the SJCISD Board of Education is currently interviewing candidates for this role.

Eaton RESA: Recognizing Excellence and Welcoming New Leadership

MAISA honors Sean Williams, Superintendent of Eaton Regional Education Service Agency (ERESA), as he prepares to retire on December 31, 2026. Sean's collaborative leadership and dedication to equitable, high-quality education have left a lasting impact on his district and across the MAISA network.

Dr. Nate Leale has been selected to serve as ERESA's new superintendent. Currently serving as ERESA's Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services, Dr. Leale brings a strong vision for instructional excellence and a commitment to collaboration, ensuring the district continues to thrive.

Gogebic-Ontonagon ISD: Academic Achievement

Finally, MAISA congratulates Dr. Alan Tulppo, Superintendent of Gogebic-Ontonagon ISD (GOISD), on earning his doctorate from Edgewood University. His dissertation, "The Experience and Impact of Social Workers in Collaborating with Elementary School Teachers to Identify and Support Students with Mental Health Issues," reflects his dedication to innovative, student-centered approaches.

MAISA celebrates these leaders and their accomplishments, recognizing the enduring impact of their work. We look forward to continuing to support Michigan's ISDs as they advance high-quality, equitable education for all students.

Official press releases are available below:

• Leadership Transition at Jackson County ISD: MAISA Recognizes Kevin Oxley, Welcomes Maureen Keene as New Superintendent
• MAISA Welcomes Maureen Keene as Incoming Jackson County ISD Superintendent
• MAISA Congratulates Dr. Sean Williams on Retirement, Welcomes Dr. Nate Leale as the new Eaton RESA Superintendent
• MAISA Announces Dr. Nate Leale as New Superintendent of Eaton RESA
• MAISA Recognizes St. Joseph County Superintendent Dr. Teresa Belote's Distinguished Service Upon Her Retirement

We’re excited to share Episode 5 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. Each episode offers valuable insights, strategies, and discussions that navigate the complexities of educational leadership. 

In Episode 5, John sits down with Teresa Belote, Superintendent of St. Joseph County Intermediate School District, and Kevin Oxley, Superintendent of Jackson County Intermediate School District. Together, they explore Jackson County Intermediate School District initiatives that are transforming education in the region.

Listen now: 

• Episode 5 with Superintendents from St. Joseph County and Jackson County ISDs

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

MAISA is seeking participants for a new workgroup focused on unpacking PA 146 assessments and data.

This workgroup will support participants in developing a shared, deeper understanding of Michigan Department of Education (MDE)-approved PA 146 screening assessments and how to effectively interpret and use the data they generate.

The opportunity is open to all members of the field who are interested in strengthening their knowledge and application of assessment data.

If you are interested in participating, please complete the registration form by Friday, April 10, 2026.

For questions, please contact Erin Pell at epell@gomaisa.org.

Registration is still open for the 2026 MI Student Voice surveys. 

This survey suite allows districts to gather a comprehensive view of the school experience from multiple viewpoints – your choice of students, educators, and parents/guardians.

New this year, participating districts will be provided with the information needed to remain in compliance with Section 164k, including:

• Customized PDFs that contain only the specific questions you’ve selected in each survey
• A comprehensive, one-page report of results to share on your website. Detailed reports will be available to administrators via private login on the MI Student Voice website.

Each of the surveys is entirely free and comes with a toolkit featuring templated letters, talking points, and FAQs to help facilitate smooth administration.

Complete the online form to register your district for one of the remaining administration windows available for Spring 2026 on the following dates:

• March 30-April 17
• April 20-May 8

Visit MIStudentVoice.org for more information.

Contact Jen Rotach at JenRotach@kentisd.org with questions or to schedule a virtual presentation to better understand how MI Student Voice can best work for your district.

For MAISA's 2026 Summer Conference, June 16–18, 2026, the Muskegon Convention & Visitors Bureau (MCVB) has created a dedicated microsite to support MAISA attendees.

This microsite serves as a convenient hub where you can reserve your hotel accommodations while also exploring the many attractions, dining options, and activities Muskegon has to offer.

Whether you're extending your stay or simply looking to make the most of your time during the conference, the microsite provides helpful tools to enhance your overall experience.

To learn more and to reserve your hotel room at the remote site, click here: MAISA Summer Conference 2026.

Note: Please also register for the conference on the MAISA registration site by clicking here.

MAISA’s office will be closed March 30, 2026, through April 3, 2026, for Spring Break. We will reopen on April 6, 2026.

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