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Michigan Leadership Institute

Developing, Deploying and Supporting LEADERS Across Michigan

Michigan LeadershipInstitute Developing, Deploying and Supporting LEADERS AcrossMichigan

March 2026 March 2026

"Where there is Green there is Growth" "Where there is Green there is Growth"

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Leadership, Luck, and the Work That Matters

Around St. Patrick’s Day we often talk about luck, four-leaf clovers, lucky charms, and good fortune. It’s fun to imagine that good things happen because someone simply got lucky.

But in schools, we know something different.

Successful school years rarely happen because of luck.

They happen because of great people doing thoughtful work together.

Behind every strong school culture, every positive staff environment, and every student success story are leaders who plan carefully, support their teams, and create conditions where people can succeed.


Great schools do not stumble into success.

They build it intentionally.

Superintendents and school leaders know that positive outcomes come from:

• Thoughtful planning

• Strong relationships

• Clear expectations

• Supporting staff when the work is difficult

• Celebrating progress along the way

• Maintaining a relentless focus on students

From the outside, people sometimes call that luck.

But school principals and Superintendents know it’s really dedication, teamwork, and purpose.


This time of year, can be challenging. The excitement of the start of the year has passed, winter has been long, and everyone is working hard to finish the year strong.

That is exactly when leadership matters most.

Small gestures from leaders can lift morale, renew energy, and remind staff how valued they truly are. So, this St. Patrick’s Day, maybe the lesson isn’t about finding luck.

Maybe it’s about creating the conditions where great things happen on purpose.

Because in schools, the best outcomes rarely come from luck.

They come from great leadership and committed people working together for students.


Thank you for your intentional and thoughtful work in leading positive achievement, stability, and hope through challenging times. Your leadership makes a difference in ways that are sometimes visible and many times unseen.


I hope this issue provides a few ideas you might use or share to continue lifting yourself and others through the remainder of the school year.

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A Little Lift Goes a Long Way

This time of year in schools can be challenging. The excitement of the beginning of the year has passed, winter has been long, and everyone is working hard to keep the momentum going as we move toward spring.


It is also the time of year when a small lift can make a big difference.


Sometimes that lift is simple, a quick high five in the hallway, a few encouraging words, or a moment to recognize someone’s effort. Other times it might be a handwritten note, a personal thank you, or providing lunch for a hardworking team.


These gestures may seem small, but they have a powerful impact. They remind people that their work matters and that their efforts are seen and appreciated.


Positive school cultures are often strengthened through simple acts of encouragement and appreciation. When leaders intentionally create moments that brighten someone’s day, those moments often ripple throughout the building.


And the best part is that these lifts don’t always have to come from leadership alone. Sometimes the most meaningful moments happen when everyone in the building gets involved in spreading a little sunshine, recognizing a colleague, surprising a team member, or celebrating the everyday work that keeps schools running.


As we move through the weeks ahead, here are a few ideas that may help bring some extra energy, appreciation, and positivity to your staff and school community.


Remember, sometimes the smallest gestures create the biggest smiles.


Simple Ways to Add a Little Sunshine:


High Five Friday

Start the day greeting staff with high fives or fist bumps.


Handwritten Thank-You Notes

A short personal note recognizing someone’s work can mean a lot.


Coffee Cart Surprise

Bring coffee or hot chocolate to staff in the morning.


Lunch Provided by Leadership

Provide pizza, sandwiches, or soup for staff.


The Donut Wall

Create a pegboard donut wall with a thank-you message.


Snack Cart Walkthrough

Deliver snacks to classrooms during the afternoon.


Ice Cream Cart Walkthrough

Rent an ice cream cart, bells and all and walk the halls


Staff Shout-Out Board

Create a board where staff can recognize one another.


Jeans Day Surprise

Announce a surprise jeans day.


Lucky Note Drop

Leave appreciation notes in mailboxes, on windshields, car doors, desks, etc


Positive Phone Call Home

Call a staff member simply to thank them for their work.


Popcorn Friday

Deliver popcorn to classrooms or the staff lounge.


Parking Spot of the Week

Create a fun VIP parking spot drawing.


Student Appreciation Messages

Have students write thank-you notes to staff.


Gratitude Jar

Staff can write notes thanking colleagues.


Mystery Treat Day

Drop off surprise treats during the day.


Music Play List (am/pm)

Gather staff's favorite play list and play some songs before and after school.


Sometimes the most powerful way to lift spirits in a school isn’t through a large program or initiative.

It’s through simple moments of appreciation, encouragement, and kindness.

And when those moments spread from one person to another, they can brighten an entire school community.


A little lift can go a long way. Good-Luck!

2026 MLI SUPES ACADEMY Now Enrolling for Fall ! 2026 MLI SUPES ACADEMY Now Enrolling for Fall !

Strengthening Leadership for Today and Tomorrow

MLI ASPIRING SUPERINTENDENTS Enrollment is OPEN for “SUPES" ACADEMY 2026”!

We welcome you to ENROLL NOW!


What is the Superintendent Preparation Academy?

The Superintendent Preparation Academy is a comprehensive leadership development experience to prepare individuals who will be the next “class” of superintendent candidates – those considering the pursuit of positions in the year 2026 or thereafter. This experience will also help you grow as an educational professional regardless of your leadership position and strengthen your skills and knowledge to increase performance today and tomorrow.


Why was the Academy developed?

MLI is committed to K-12 school districts and public institutions throughout Michigan and the success of all children by developing, deploying and supporting outstanding executive leadership.

There will be an unprecedented number of superintendents retiring over the next decade. At the same time, fewer people with the necessary capacity-building experiences are aspiring to move into these critical leadership roles. In addition, the superintendency has become increasingly complex. It is critical that future superintendents have the best preparation and network possible as you take leadership of the district, and we want to help you be successful.


To see more information or register for the MLI Supes Academy, see the link and brochure below or visit the MLI website. We guarantee you will not be disappointed in the professional learning and relationships made in this experience. Please call Dr. Lisa Hagel at 810-516-9368 or email at lhagelmli@geneseeisd.org

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2026 SUPES Academy Application Packet (1).pdf
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Supporting Your Efforts, One Step at a Time Supporting Your Efforts, One Step at a Time

MLI Student Scholarships - Applications Due May 1, 2026 MLI Student Scholarships - Applications Due May 1, 2026

Students Scholarships -Open to All Michigan Students
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$1,000 Scholarships For Students with Leadership Skills

The Michigan Leadership Institute is committed to developing LEADERSHIP at all levels. Thanks to donations and giving to our foundation, we are able to give Seniors some financial assistance to help with their next steps in achieving their goals and dreams.



To date MLI has given away 13 scholarships across Michigan to very deserving seniors!


Education, Training and Self-Improvement are powerful tools that we truly believe our young people will use to help make our world a better place.


These Scholarships are open to any Michigan Senior based on the following criteria:

1. Student must maintain good attendance.

2. Student must possess leadership skills and ambition.

3. Student must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher

4. Student must complete the attached application.


Please encourage your young leaders to apply for the funds and be recognized!

Applications are available at the apply links and on the MLI Website.

Funds will be awarded around May 10, 2026.


Return to: Genesee County Education Foundation. Postmarked by May 1, 2026.

2413 W. Maple Avenue

Flint, Mi. 48507

OR email all pages to lhagelmli@geneseeisd.org Deadline May 1, 2026.

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MLI Scholarship Application Form 2026.pdf
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Other Services

There are times when you need support on goal completion or an extra set of knowledgeable hands to lead a special project. We are now supporting Safety and Crisis Planning with Dr. Livernois. He will assist you at whatever stage you may be presently at in the district. Whether you are a new or experienced superintendent or have new or experienced principals, Dr. Livernois can assist you in planning and preparing from the ground in a realistic manner for emergencies.

He can work with an individual or your entire team to accomplish the task at hand. Dr. Livernois is very self-motivated and experienced and can assist you in accomplishing your safety goals.


MLI can also support you with professional development needs, whether it is a day or yearlong strategic effort, our talented staff can work with you to create professional learning to support your needs and continuous improvement plans.


To help pull it all together and keep your district moving forward, MLI offers wonderful Strategic Planning and Curriculum support. We can facilitate from an existing Strategic Plan of help you start fresh.

Additionally, if you are stretched thin and need support on grade level or content area curriculum support, we have consultants who only focus in those areas.


Finally, if you would like support or not to be directly at the negotiations table, MLI has seasoned negotiators who have been trained in all styles of bargaining and can assist and support your team through the process.

MLI Offers FACILITATED BOARD SELF ASSESSMENTS

There are very few items more important than a strong, effective Governance team created between the Board of Education and the Superintendent. Each year the Superintendent and staff is evaluated on goals and objectives to help reach continuous improvement goals. Through the partnership of The Michigan Leadership Institute, we can assist your Board Of Education in an effective Self-Evaluation process. This process is based on national standards, is relatively quick and painless for each member. A trained consultant works with the Governance team to complete the process, identify areas of strength and potential areas of opportunity to develop throughout the year for the Board.


The goal of the process is to develop a highly functioning LEADERSHIP team. If you are interested, you can contact any MLI consultant for more information.

Resources to Share, Use or Enjoy. Resources to Share, Use or Enjoy.

How to Create a Crisis Handbook to Prepare Your School for Emergencies

As a school leader, you can’t anticipate when a disaster may happen, but you can develop systems to help ensure that your staff and families are prepared.

launch edutopia.org

How to Make Sure Teachers Know They Matter

Mattering is about more than teachers’ sense of purpose, says author and researcher Zach Mercurio—it’s about feeling significant to their colleagues. And principals can help foster that feeling.

launch edutopia.org

How to Achieve Alignment Within Your Administrative Team

When leaders take the time to build shared understandings, they are able to work together more effectively to support their school community.

launch edutopia.org

How I’m Working to Gain Experience as an Aspiring Administrator

A teacher who is striving for a leadership role relays how she turned a job rejection into an opportunity for growth.

launch edutopia.org

How to Practice Active Listening as a School Leader

Use these strategies to help ensure that teachers and other stakeholders feel heard and valued, which can lead to better decision-making.

launch edutopia.org

Ways MLI Can Support Your District Ways MLI Can Support Your District

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Strategic or District Planning for Continuous Improvement

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Professional Development

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Negotiations, Capital Planning, Special Projects, Mentoring

Vacancies and Searches, Strategic Planning, Curriculum and Instructional Planning

We are ready to help you find your next leadership opportunity to impact a community of students, families and staff. Please continue to watch the MLI website at :http://www.mileader.org for vacancies. We are also ready to help you with large or small scale planning initiatives that involve goal setting, curriculum or instruction, right sizing your district or a completely custom work shop.


Additionally, we can assist you in recruiting and replacing all key positions in your district as you focus on other important duties. Please do not hesitate to reach out for support.

(810) 591-3251 or mli@geneseeisd.org

Districts Looking For A Great Leader - VACANCIES Districts Looking For A Great Leader - VACANCIES

If you are interesting in more information or applying, please see the MLI website or contact the MLI consultant listed.

Mason County Central Schools: Superintendent Vacancy, Deadline April 17, Consultant Andy Ingall

Kenowa Hills Public Schools: Superintendent Vacancy, Deadline April 3, Consultant Andy Ingall

Richmond Community Schools: Superintendent Vacancy, Deadline April 1, Consultant John Silveri

Dearborn Public Schools Superintendent Vacancy, Deadline March 27, Consultant, John Silveri

Berrien County Administrator- County Gov. Administrator, Deadline TBA, Consultant, Chet Janik

Congratulations to these Districts for Hiring New Superintendents

Munising Public Schools - Ms. Michelle Paul

Bridgeman Schools - Mr. Thomas Reed

Harbor Springs Public Schools - Dr. Scott Korpak


More exciting new hires are in process.

School Data Solutions
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Using Data to Lead Smarter: The Power of Munetrix

Today’s school leaders are asked to make increasingly complex decisions that impact students, staff, and the responsible use of public resources. Whether the conversation involves academic performance, staffing levels, financial planning, operational efficiencies, or collective bargaining considerations, district leaders must be able to access and interpret reliable information quickly and accurately.


This is where powerful data tools such as Munetrix can make a meaningful difference.


Munetrix is a comprehensive school data platform designed specifically for education leaders. The system brings together academic, financial, operational, and human resource data into one easy-to-use platform that helps leaders better understand how their districts are performing and where opportunities for improvement may exist.


For superintendents and central office leaders, Munetrix provides the ability to examine information at multiple levels—from districtwide trends to building-level data and even down to specific operational areas. This allows leaders to explore questions related to:


Academic achievement and student outcomes


Financial health and budget planning


Staffing patterns and human resource trends


Operational costs and efficiencies


Collective bargaining considerations


Program effectiveness and return on investment


By bringing these data points together in one system, Munetrix helps leaders identify patterns, ask deeper questions, and make informed decisions that support both fiscal responsibility and student success.


One of the most valuable aspects of Munetrix is its ability to help districts uncover efficiencies that may otherwise go unnoticed. When leaders have clear insight into spending patterns, staffing allocations, and program performance, they are better positioned to make thoughtful adjustments that ensure resources are being used wisely.


Ultimately, tools like Munetrix help districts save dollars in areas where efficiencies can be found, allowing those resources to be redirected toward the people and programs that matter most—staff and students.


The Michigan Leadership Institute is proud to partner with organizations that support school leaders in making informed, strategic decisions. Munetrix has become an important resource for many districts seeking to strengthen their use of data and improve transparency, planning, and performance.


For leaders who are interested in learning more about Munetrix, exploring its newest features, or seeing how the platform works in practice, additional information is available.


To learn more or schedule a demonstration, please contact:


Pete Solar

Munetrix

📧 psolar@munetrix.com


Munetrix continues to be a valuable partner in helping school leaders turn data into insight—and insight into action that benefits both students and school communities.

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OUR EXPERIENCE is UNMATCHED and WE HAVE ADDED EVEN MORE EXPERTISE to HELP SUPPORT YOUR NEEDS

Ms. Sheila Alles, Former Interim State Superintendent, Deputy State Superintendent, Curriculum Specialist Livonia Public Schools: Serving Districts with MLI as a Curriculum & Instructional Specialist, Strategic Planning

Dr. Randy Liepa, Former Superintendent Wayne RESA and Livonia Public Schools Serving Districts with MLI in Millage, Bond Support, Searches, and Strategic Planning

Dr. Keely Mounger, Former Superintendent at Westwood Heights, and Coleman, Former Deputy Superintendent for Human Resources and Operations Serving Districts with MLI in Capital and Facility Planning, Negotiations, Searches

Mr. Clarence Garner, Former Superintendent Grand Blanc Schools Serving Districts with MLI in Strategic Planning Specialist

Mrs.Teresa Weatherall Neal, Former Superintendent of Grand Rapids Public Schools Serving Districts with MLI in Instructional Coach, Searches, & Culture Coaching

Mr. David Burt, Former Operations and Maintenance Director Serving Districts with MLI in Capital and Facility Planning

Dr. Debbie McFalone, Leadership Consultant Serving Districts with MLI in Professional Development in Leadership and Instructional Learning Making Meaningful and Powerful Change

Mr. Chet Janik, Former Superintendent, Leelanau County Administrator County Administrative Searches Districts, Village Leadership, Mentoring and Strategic Planning

Dr. William Webber, Former Superintendent South Redford School District, Serving Districts with MLI in Human Resources, Finance, and Negotiations

Mr. Tom Tenbrink, Former Superintendent Jenison Public Schools, Serving Districts with MLI in Searches, Culture Building, Negotiations and Bond Support

Dr. Wanda Cook-Robinson, Former Superintendent Oakland ISD, Serving Districts with Searches, Board Governance, Mentoring, Culture Building, Special Projects

Dr. Robert Livernois Former Superintendent Warren Consolidated Schools, Serving Districts with Safety Planning, Board Governance, Mentoring, Searches, Special Projects

Mr. Dave Killips, Former Superintendent Chelsea, Serving Districts with Searches on a limited basis


Regional Presidents- Executive Searches, District Support

Mr. John Silveri Former Superintendent Waterford Schools South East Michigan

Mr. Tim Stein, Former Superintendent Flushing Community Schools Central /Thumb Area

Dr. John Scholten Former Superintendent Petoskey Schools Northern Michigan

Mr. Andy Ingall, Former Superintendent Grand Haven Schools, South/ West Michigan

Mr. Pete Haines- Former Superintendent, Ottawa ISD Assoc. President, S.W. Michigan

Mrs. Lisa Hook -Administrative Assistant

Dr. Lisa Hagel, Former Superintendent at Genesee ISD and Mt. Morris Schools,

Executive Director. (810) 591-3251

Mentoring Leaders at ALL levels. Mentoring Leaders at ALL levels.

Michigan Leadership Institute Michigan Leadership Institute

CONNECT WITH MICHIGAN LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
https://www.mileader.org/

To be added to our Mailing List or to have someone added:

Please contact Lisa Hook at (810) 591- 4541 or lhook@geneseeisd.org to be added to our mailing list or to have someone added.


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