Michigan school board members face many obstacles as they strive to improve education outcomes in their districts. Leading a school district is a complex challenge that requires balancing diverse interests represented in the community. And this must be done in an ever-evolving legal and political landscape. It’s no wonder school boards often struggle to adopt policies and practices that best represent the values of their constituents.
This is why four organizations — Salt & Light Global, the Michigan Forward Network, the Leadership Institute, and the Mackinac Center for Public Policy — have partnered to offer a training program for school board members. The program will help participants learn how to use their role in district governance to ensure fiscal responsibility and limited government. Attendees will receive strategic guidance on budgets and finances, management issues, collective bargaining, local control and authority, transparency and policy and legal issues.
Program participants will hear presentations from experts in education, public policy, law, and board governance. The event will also provide an opportunity to engage with seasoned board members who will share their advice and lessons learned from their professional experience.
Saturday, October 11, 2025
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Breakfast and lunch included
The Louie Building
Freedom Hall (6th Floor)
123 W. Allegan St.
Lansing, MI 48933
Call our Events office at
This event is $20 per attendee.
Registration is limited to school officials who have been appointed or elected to a board position.
Register online by October 6th.
Beth DeShone: Senior Director of Strategic Operations for the Michigan Forward Network. Prior to this role, Beth served as Executive Director of the Great Lakes Education Project. She was previously a legislative staffer and/or campaign consultant for Dick DeVos for Governor; Dick Posthumus for Governor; the Michigan Republican Party; as well as State Senators Michelle McManus, Bev Hammerstrom and Mat Dunaskiss. Beth is a 1999 Graduate of James Madison College at MSU and lives with her family in Laingsburg.
Leigh Vlasblom: Director for the School Board Leaders Program with the Leadership Institute. Leigh started her professional career at the U.S. Department of Education in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education where she solidified her understanding that education is only as effective and successful as its governing bodies. Leigh then went on to teach elementary school at a variety of rural and urban schools before taking time to raise her children. She then ran and won a seat on her local school board and served on the Finance and Operations Committee, the Policy and Curriculum Committee, and as board vice president.
Alyssa Wright, M.S., B.C.B.A.: Director of Pupil Services with the Leadership Institute. Alyssa began her career as a classroom teacher, later serving as an instructional coach and special education supervisor. As Director of Pupil Services, she oversees programs supporting student success, including special education, counseling, and health services. At the University of Pennsylvania, where she is an adjunct professor, she teaches graduate courses on inclusive education, IDEA, and differentiated instruction. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Arizona, a master’s in special education from Long Island University, and specialized in Educational Leadership at Delaware Valley University, where she is currently pursuing her Ed.D. She is also a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst.
Katherine Bussard is the chief operating officer and executive director of Salt & Light Global (SLG). Passionate about education and good governance, she formerly served in elected office as a city councilwoman and mayor, and is currently serving as a school board trustee. Katherine has a robust background in private education as a teacher and instructor, administrator and education conference speaker. Through her work with SLG, Katherine works to advance sound public policy at the local, state and national level, facilitates training in good governance, and mentors other Christian women in leadership.
William Wagner is one of the foremost constitutional law scholars in the nation. Professor Wagner has participated in more than 50 US Supreme Court cases, strategically working to restore constitutional good governance and preserve God-Given liberty. He is the founder of Salt & Light Global and the Great Lakes Justice Center and currently serves as the distinguished chair of the Wagner Faith & Freedom Center at Spring Arbor University. Professor Wagner previously served as a federal judge, US diplomat, Sr. Legal Counsel to the US Senate, and remains an internationally acclaimed author and speaker.
Eileen McNeil: President of Citizens for Traditional Values, Eileen McNeil has 35+ years experience in political engagement and 20 years+ experience in public relations, providing counsel on grassroots communications strategies, social and political campaigns, public policy, and more. Eileen also served as the West Michigan director for U.S. Sen. Spencer Abraham and former Senate Majority Leader Dick Posthumus and remains active today as a civic engagement leader across Michigan. Eileen holds a Masters Degree in public policy from Regent University.
Molly Macek is the director of education policy for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Holding a Doctor of Education from John Hopkins University and a Master's in teaching, Macek has nearly two decades of experience in secondary education. She has performed extensive research on education problems of practice and has published studies on education innovations and interventions.
Michael Van Beek is director of research for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. He published three reports on emergency power laws in Michigan, including one cited by the Michigan Supreme Court. He has authored several other studies for the Center as well as analysis and commentaries that have been published in The Wall Street Journal, National Review, The Hill, The Detroit News, the Detroit Free Press and elsewhere.
Parking is solely your responsibility. We do not have access to discounts or free parking in downtown Lansing. There are a number of parking garages and metered parking throughout downtown.
Parking is available at meters located around the building and throughout downtown using the Passport Parking app. Using the app, you simply enter your "zone" code and link to a credit card. There is a 4 hour maximum at the meters. You cannot extend your parking pass time without moving to a different zone. Pay online or download the Passport Parking phone app www.passportparking.com
South Grand Ramp
201 S Grand Ave
Lansing, Ml 48933
Allegan Parking Ramp
corner of, W Allegan St & S Capitol Ave
Lansing, Ml 48933
Capitol Public Parking
231 S Capitol Ave
Lansing, Ml 48933
Townsend Street Parking Ramp
221 Townsend St
Lansing, Ml 48933
