Superintendent Newsletter

Dear Lansing School District Community,

I hope that this newsletter finds you well. As always, it is a pleasure to email you.

With all sincerity, I missed you all. I am so used to writing these weekly emails that having so many weeks between communications feels very strange. Even though these newsletters are one-way in direction, I know that thousands of Lansing community members read them, share them, and discuss them. That creates a wonderful narrative around the district. And of course, I do get responses from some folks telling me their thoughts, which I love. So, again, I missed you all and I am very happy to be writing this newsletter today.

So much has happened since the last time I wrote that I almost don't know where to begin. The month of July started with the very unwelcome news that the federal government was withholding over a million dollars of "Title" monies as it was conducting a review of districts and their spending. Without any understanding of what districts did to have their funding frozen, superintendents, educators, parents, and advocates from across the country put pressure on their federal representatives to release this very important funding. After weeks of pressure, the federal government relented and finally sent the money to MDE, which in turn sent it to us.

During the interim, between the withholding of the money and the sending of it, many districts across the country shut down programs, fired employees, and stopped funding; we did not. We are doing everything we can to continue to provide the same, high-quality service to our students, staff, and community, no matter what is happening outside our district walls. However, I want to be clear: this first action in all likelihood is going to be part of a larger salvo from Washington. There might be a time, in the not-so-distant future, when our district will need you all. I have been an education administrator for more than 20 years, and I have never seen anything like this. But I know that together, the community of Lansing will roll up our sleeves, hold hands, and fight for our children. Please be at the ready for the clarion call.

That being said, a very similar situation is happening two blocks from our district offices. Right now, Michigan does not have a state budget. Though the state created a self-imposed deadline of July 1 (and has blown through that), the real pain will begin on Oct. 1 if an agreement hasn't been made. I know that our local officials are fighting very hard for us to not only get a school budget, but a good school budget. The concern for us, here in Lansing, is that some of the ideas that are being floated in the Capitol will create one of the largest shifts of money from poor districts to rich districts in the history of Michigan. We have to stand vigilant against that. Again, like with the federal government's actions, I ask that you all stand at the ready concerning state events.

As for inside the district, I am so pleased to relay the wonderful things happening, especially in terms of our facilities upgrades. The biggest news, of course, is that the grand opening of the new Mt. Hope school will be occurring this week. I can't tell you how thrilled I am to help cut the ribbon of a brand-new school. And to know that this is going to be the first of four such schools is something that I hope everyone in Lansing can cheer. But this school year will not only start with a new school at Mt. Hope, but a completed new gym at Attwood, a new entrance and classrooms at Lansing Tech, and air conditioning in so many of our schools. We are building a fresh new track at Everett, paving parking lots, and giving a face-lift to so many of our facilities. I really do hope that you are able to visit not only Mt. Hope, but also Attwood, Hill, Everett, and all of our schools this year. It is amazing to see the differences across the district in just four years.

The other huge win for the district is that the number of teacher vacancies is the lowest it has been since I arrived. Early in my time in Lansing, we had over 100 teacher openings to start the school year. This caused so many of our children to have substitutes for days, weeks, months, and even the entire year. We know that having high-quality, certified teachers in our classrooms will help our students immensely. I want to give a big shout-out to Clayton Ross, our Senior Director of Human Resources, and the entire HR department for their excellent work in hiring and retaining our talented staff. Though today, we are not 100% completely, fully staffed, we are closer to that brass ring than we have been in years. We still have 17 days to go before the start of school, so if you do know anyone who wants to teach or help our district, please have them reach out to me or the HR department.

Thank you so much for all of your incredible support of our district. Together, we will do great things for the children of Lansing.

Benjamin Shuldiner, Superintendent

Lansing School District

Join us for our first ever Back to School 5K on August 23 at 9 a.m.

and help us kick off the school year with energy and purpose!

Proceeds (beyond event setup) will support vital enrichment programs in athletics, arts, and robotics across our district. The $25 entry fee includes a race day tee and a swag bag from our generous sponsors, and there’s even a free kids’ half-mile run at 11 a.m. If you can't participate, consider donating or becoming a sponsor — additional details are available in the brochure.

Your support helps ensure every student

has the opportunity to thrive!

To join the race or make a donation scan the QR code or click here.

Moneyball will be providing all event tee shirts free of charge as an in-kind donation.

Title Sponsors (Donations of $5,000+)

Dean Trailways

Michigan Running Foundation

Techsmith

Team Sponsor (Donations of $750-1,999)

Thurn Law

On July 28, 2025, thirteen enthusiastic students and six dedicated adults from the Lansing School District embarked on an unforgettable adventure as part of the Lansing School District's Ebersole Center Biking and Birding Summer Camp. Using the scenic Lansing River Trail as their guide, the group cycled nearly 11 miles through some of the capital area’s most engaging natural and educational landmarks.

The journey included enriching stops at the Equine Center for Learning, where students observed horses up close and learned about the unique symbiotic relationship between birds and horses. At Hawk Island Park, participants took time to explore the wetlands and lakeside areas, identifying a variety of bird species. The ride continued to Potter Park Zoo, offering opportunities to contrast wild bird sightings with educational zoo exhibits. The final stop at Michigan’s historic State Capitol Building provided a moment of reflection on the importance of environmental stewardship and civic engagement.

Throughout the day, students identified dozens of different bird species—ranging from familiar backyard birds to seasonal migrants—using field guides and binoculars provided by the program. Despite the challenges of rain showers and summer heat, spirits remained high, and the group demonstrated impressive resilience, teamwork, and curiosity. Special thank you to Superintendent Shuldiner for meeting with us and providing a reprieve from the mid-day rain and heat.

This immersive experience exemplified the power of outdoor learning, encouraging students to connect physical activity with scientific observation, environmental awareness, and community exploration. The Biking and Birding Summer Camp not only fostered a deeper appreciation for Lansing’s natural and civic resources but also highlighted the benefits of interdisciplinary, hands-on education.

A wonderful time was had by all, and the memories and skills gained during this ride will continue to inspire students long after the summer ends.

Lansing School District students have been having an amazing time this summer at the Equine Center for Learning, with plenty of hands-on horse time and outdoor adventures. They learned how to care for our herd — including grooming, feeding, and yes, even scooping poop! Our summer camp students practiced their riding skills in the arena and out on the trails, building confidence and connection with their horses every step of the way.

In addition to riding, students led our mini horses and donkeys through fun, interactive activities that built leadership and teamwork. They also tapped into their creativity with horse painting and colorful tie-dye t-shirt projects — making memories as vibrant as their designs.

It’s been a summer full of learning, laughter, and growth —

and with a couple weeks of summer left the fun isn’t over yet!

If you currently have a district-issued gas card, please do not throw it away. This card will be used for the 2025-26 school year and will be reloaded as long as your child remains eligible. Keeping your current card will ensure a smooth transition and avoid any delays in receiving future funds.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the transportation department at 517-755-3017.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Visit 4200 Wainwright Ave. from 2:30 - 5:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month,

starting on August 6th to receive free pads and tampons.

Aug 05 — Grand Opening of the NEW Mt. Hope (see above)

Aug 06 — Enrollment Event at Welcome Center (see above)

Aug 06 — Period Product Distribution (see above)

Aug 07 — Board of Education Meeting | 6:00 p.m. | 519 Kalamazoo St.

Aug 14 — Farewell Lewton Event (see above)

Aug 20 — First Day of School

Aug 21 — Board of Education Meeting | 6:00 p.m. | 519 Kalamazoo St.

Aug 23 — Back to School 5K

Aug 29 — No School

Sept 01 — No School (Labor Day)

Sept 04 — Board of Education Meeting | 6:00 p.m. | 519 Kalamazoo St.

Sept 08 — Universal Preschool First Day

Sept 18 — Board of Education Meeting | 6:00 p.m. | 519 Kalamazoo St.

Sept 26 — No School (Professional Development Day)

Oct 01 — Fall Count Day

Oct 17 — No School (Professional Development Day)

Oct 31 — Half Day (Elementary Only)

Nov 04 — Election Day (No School)

Nov 24 — No School (Professional Development Day)

Nov 25-28 — Thanksgiving Break (No School)

Dec 22 - Jan 1 — Winter Break (No School)

Did you know that you can subscribe to our calendars?

Visit www.lansingschools.net/district/calendars, select the school(s) whose calendar you would like to subscribe to, and tap the tiny calendar at the top right. For more detailed instructions, click here.