The MAISA Summer Conference was held June 17-19, 2003 in Traverse City. President Elect Chris Wigent, Wayne RESA Superintendent, introduced the conference theme:  Leadership for Creating a World Class Education…A Policy Discussion.

Lead speakers included Brian Rowan, Professor, School of Education and Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan. Dr. Rowan’s topic was “Thinking Globally about Michigan Education.”  Dr. Alan Ruby, Senior Fellow for International Education, Graduate School of Education, University of Pennsylvania discussed “Education Reform Around the World.”  Dr. Tom Svitkovich, Genesee ISD Superintendent presented “Student Success through Virtual Learning.”  Joan Sergent, Executive Director, Tri-County Alliance and Earl Ryan, President, Citizen’s Research Council spoke related to “Education in Michigan: School Finance and Reform.”

Superintendent of Instruction Mike Flanagan challenged the membership to take the lead in creating greater efficiencies through shared and consolidated services, along with truly re-imagining the ways we can impact student success.

Robert Chadwick, President, Consensus Associates, lead the membership in a process of a deep discussion about defining and moving toward ways to create a world class Education.

In a lighter vein, the annual SET-SEG Fun Run produced winners in a number of categories:  Clark Volz - closest prediction-1 mile; Jeff Jennette - fastest 5 K, Pete Everson - closest prediction-5K. Pete Everson was also the winner of the coveted “Ugly Shoe Award.”