Ingham Insights October 2025

October 9, 2025

This monthly newsletter has been created to share stories with our community. Please forward this newsletter to your colleagues, family, business partners, legislators and community members. Recipients interested in subscribing to future issues of Ingham Insights may contact us at Ingham ISD Communications.

Ever wondered what it’s really like to lead a school building? Now’s your chance. Ingham ISD is excited to invite business, civic and community leaders to participate in Principal for a Day, a unique opportunity to shadow a local school leader and gain firsthand insight into the daily realities of public education.

Why Participate?

• See the strengths and challenges schools face each day
• Build stronger partnerships between schools and the community
• Gain perspective on how education policy plays out in real classrooms
• Experience the authentic, unscripted life of a school principal

What to Expect

Participants can choose a full-day or half-day experience at a local school between October 1, 2025, and March 27, 2026. You’ll be matched with a principal based on your interests and availability. Prior to the visit, participants and principals will connect for a short virtual meeting to set expectations.

More than 6,700 students in the Ingham ISD service area receive special education services each year. These programs and services are made possible through collaboration between Ingham ISD and 12 local school districts and 8 public school academies. Together, we host programs and provide services in school buildings and community sites across the county, ensuring that students of all abilities, wherever they reside, have a place to learn and thrive.

• Autism Spectrum Disorder Programs
• Build Up & Early On
• Center Based Programs - Beekman Center & Heartwood School
• Emotional Impairment Programs - North Star School
• Transition Programs - Spartan Project SEARCH, Skills for Adult Independent Living (SAIL)
• Services provided include: Adaptive Physical Education, Assistive Technology, Audiology/Deaf & Hard of Hearing, Occupational Therapy, Orientation & Mobility, Physical Therapy, School Psychology, School Social Work, Speech & Language Pathology and Visually Impaired

Families from across the region came together at Potter Park Zoo for this year’s Fall Fun Fest, held on Sunday, September 14. Hosted at Potter Park Zoo, the event brought smiles, laughter and connection as families with students who have active IEPs, 504 Plans, or are of transition age enjoyed a day designed just for them.

Fall Fun Fest continues to grow each year, showcasing the power of partnership between schools, families and community organizations. Together, we’re building an environment where every child and every family feels supported, celebrated and connected. Watch the event highlights video below to see the energy, excitement and impact of this year’s Fall Fun Fest!

Episode 1: About Intermediate School Districts

This four-part series unpacks intermediate school districts by exploring what they are, how they are governed, their history and how they are funded. Each episode builds on these themes, breaking down complex topics into clear conversations that help listeners better understand the vital role ISDs play in Michigan’s education system.

Part 1: What is an Intermediate School District?

Part 2: Governance of Intermediate School Districts

Part 3: History of Intermediate School Districts

Part 4: Intermediate School District Funding

• October 21 - Regular Board Meeting, Thorburn Education Center, 6 p.m.
• November 4 - U.S. Election Day
• November 11 - Veterans Day