LETTER FROM MAISA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | | |
Dear MAISA Members,
As we approach the conclusion of another impactful school year, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to developing the FY26 Section 164k(e) guidance. This achievement was made possible through our close collaboration with MDE, GELN/SEILN, legal counsel, and MAISA staff. This collective effort perfectly illustrates what we can accomplish when we break down silos and work across roles and regions. Most importantly, it underscores MAISA's core promise: when our members ask for assistance, we lean in, collaborate, and do everything in our power to solve problems together.
Here are my Three Things:
1. Strengthening Advocacy and Statewide Collaboration
Our presence at the Detroit Chamber Policy Conference on Mackinac Island last week has strongly positioned MAISA to advocate effectively as state leaders finalize next year’s budget. True advocacy requires a united front. MAISA continues to actively align with fellow education organizations to protect our schools, which includes getting the budget done, 31aa, SFRC, and other ongoing challenges (firmly opposing House Bills 5872–5878 and HJR T regarding proposed tax changes that could negatively impact education funding and services). Plus, we continue to prepare for our 2026 Summer Conference. We have received an excellent array of breakout session proposals. Special thanks to the planning committee for their ongoing work on designing an experience that drives meaningful collaboration.
Note: Don’t forget to complete this form if your ISD has a prize to donate!
2. Advancing Leadership, Innovation, and Emerging Technology
Navigating the future of education requires proactive, shared leadership. To support districts as they manage both the immense opportunities and important considerations of AI in schools, MDE has released new guidance on emerging technology. To help shape the future of statewide resources, tools, and professional learning, we encourage educators across Michigan to participate in the 3rd Annual K–12 Educator AI Integration Survey. Additionally, MiSEN has announced a statewide 470 Network Bid for schools and libraries (detailed below) to further strengthen our collective digital infrastructure.
3. Deepening Literacy, Learning, and Regional Connection
When we share knowledge, our entire state benefits. Literacy and math professional development remain urgent, central priorities for Michigan's educational ecosystem. This was recently highlighted in May by the collaborative learning at the Early Math Showcase in Mt. Pleasant, as well as ongoing, systemic work through MDE’s new Office of Curriculum and Instruction. As you review these updates, I encourage you to explore the upcoming opportunities to connect and grow alongside your peers across the state:
- 2026 MAISA Summer Conference
- Michigan Community Schools & Family Engagement Conference
- Genesee ISD’s 2026–27 Professional Learning Series
- Upcoming Literacy & Math Sessions, hosted via the Literacy Leaders Network (LLN) and MEMSPA
Please share these opportunities with your staff members. By connecting our teams across regional lines, we amplify our impact and ensure every ISD is equipped to succeed.
We are truly Better Together,
j
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May 2026 Highlights
- News from MDE
- Upcoming learning opportunities
Literacy & Math
- Updates & Stories from the Field
- BAISD Students Earn First-of-Its-Kind Apprenticeship Recognition Certificates
- New MDE office puts literacy and math improvement at the forefront
- Stronger Together: Building Literacy from the Ground UP
Operations & Innovation
- Michigan Statewide Educational Network (MiSEN), REMC SAVE Announce Statewide 470 Network Bid for Schools and Libraries
- Artificial Intelligence Guidance from MDE Helps School Districts Use Emerging Technology
- AI Statewide Workgroup survey
- 3rd Annual K-12 Educator AI Integration Survey
Upcoming Events
- Pack your bags for Muskegon! Countdown to the 2026 MAISA Summer Conference
- Out-of-School Time (OST) Literacy Training Opportunity
- Save the Date: 2026 Michigan Community Schools & Family Engagement Conference
- Genesee County Professional Learning 2026-27
- LLN and MEMSPA to Host Upcoming Literacy and Math Professional Learning
- 2026-27 MAISA Board and General Membership Meetings Schedule
- 2026 MI Talent Together Conference
Note: Please click "View entire message" at the bottom of this email to view the full newsletter!
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Previous InSiDe Updates
Want to view the previous edition of the InSiDe Update? Click here to view the April 2026 edition.
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- MDE announces new office prioritizing literacy and math improvement, offers new AI guidance
- Registration is open for the 2026 MAISA Summer Conference and the Michigan Community Schools & Family Engagement Conference
- 2026-27 MAISA Board and General Membership Meetings Schedule
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Updates & Stories from the Field
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Pack your bags for Muskegon! Countdown to the 2026 MAISA Summer Conference
The countdown is officially on! In just a few short weeks, MAISA membership will head to the beautiful Shoreline Hotel in Muskegon, from June 16–18, 2026, for the 2026 MAISA Summer Conference!
If you haven't secured your spot yet, now is the time to act. This year's lineup is packed with unforgettable learning opportunities, deep-dive discussions, and classic traditions you won't want to miss!
Agenda Sneak Peek
We have designed a dynamic, high-energy conference focused on collaboration and forward-thinking leadership. Here are just a few of the major highlights waiting for you:
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Engaging Breakout Sessions: Move past the standard "sit and get" presentations. This year's breakouts will be interactive, audience-driven, and packed with actionable ideas you can take straight back to your ISD.
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"Wisdom from the Wizen" Panel: Tap into the collective genius of our state's longest-serving ISD superintendents. This exclusive panel features veteran leaders pulling back the curtain to share invaluable insights, lessons learned, and institutional knowledge to help navigate today's educational landscape.
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Interactive Legislative Policy Discussions: Stay ahead of the curve with real-time updates and collaborative dialogue on legislative decisions shaping Michigan's educational future.
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Sunset Cruise on Lake Michigan: Unwind, network, and take in the stunning Michigan shoreline during our signature evening cruise.
Planning Your Trip is Easier Than Ever!
To make your travel planning seamless, the Muskegon Convention & Visitors Bureau has created a dedicated conference microsite just for MAISA attendees!
In one central location, you can easily reserve your hotel room and explore the fantastic attractions, local dining gems, and vibrant activities Muskegon has to offer during your stay.
Click Here to Explore the Muskegon Microsite & Book Your Hotel Room
Important Next Step: Register Today!
Please note that booking your hotel room does not automatically register you for the event. Conference registration is required to attend all sessions, meals, and evening events.
Click Here to Register for the 2026 MAISA Summer Conference
We can't wait to see you, learn with you, and connect by the lake this June!
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LLN and MEMSPA to Host Upcoming Literacy and Math Professional Learning
In partnership with MEMSPA, the Literacy Leaders Network (LLN) and MAISA have announced upcoming professional learning opportunities designed to strengthen literacy and mathematics instruction for every learner.
These sessions will focus on collaborative leadership, effective instructional systems, and continuous improvement practices that support student success statewide.
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2026-27 MAISA Board and General Membership Meetings Schedule
Here is the schedule for the upcoming 2026-27 year. Please take a moment to review the dates and add them to your calendar.
For 2026-27, the Strategic Plan Goal Area is Collaborative Supports and Services!
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Out-of-School Time (OST) Literacy Training Opportunity
Are you interested in leveraging your time with youth to improve their reading skills?
Michigan Afterschool Partnership (MASP) is offering a free, interactive literacy training designed specifically for Out-of-School Time (OST) staff and leaders at every experience level. You'll leave with concrete strategies and resources you can incorporate into your programming right away.
When:
Where: This training will be offered virtually via Zoom
Session Goals: Participants will learn how to:
- Incorporate quality literature — whole books, short texts, and decodable books—into existing programming
- Lead engaging text discussions that build comprehension and critical thinking
- Engage youth in 5-minute vocabulary routines
Resources: Participants will receive:
- Sample book lists
- Discussion prompts
- Vocabulary routines
- Vocabulary lists
- Sample phonics routines
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Save the Date: 2026 Michigan Community Schools & Family Engagement Conference
What: 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: Approx. $170 per registration. Registration link TBA.
Hotel Rooms are $98/night (state rate). Click here to reserve your room.
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.
In the first of its kind in Michigan, the Michigan Community Schools Coalition (MCSC) and the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) are co-hosting a statewide event to spotlight both 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 two-day conference will take place at The Comfort Inn & Suites in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, and offers a unique opportunity for people across Michigan to come together for shared learning and direction-setting. MCSC and MiLEAP are anticipating 225 attendees, across the full family, school, and community partnership ecosystem—families, educators, district and ISD leaders, community schools and student success coordinators, local organization leaders, early literacy and out-of-school time partners, and state leaders from MiLEAP and the Departments of Education (MDE) and Health and Human Services (MDHHS)—all working together to support positive outcomes for children.
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.
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2026-27 Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD) Professional Learning
Explore upcoming professional learning opportunities offered by Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD) for the 2026–27 school year and learn more about how to get involved.
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2026 MI Talent Together Conference
Michigan's intermediate school districts (ISDs), in partnership with the Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative (MEWI) and 18 colleges and universities statewide, have announced the 2026 MI Talent Together Conference in Ann Arbor on October 22, 2026.
The theme is Harvesting Teacher Talent: From Policy to Practice.
This conference is designed for education leaders, policymakers, district and ISD staff, higher education partners, Grow Your Own and apprenticeship practitioners, workforce and community partners, and researchers committed to addressing the educator shortage.
Attendees will leave with practical insights, shared learning, and new connections to help move educator talent initiatives from policy to practice.
Register now!
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