School Talks Special Edition: Unpacking the Michigan School Machine is a special eight-week fall series designed to help listeners understand the education system as a new school year begins. Hosted by Dr. Robert Livernois, the program takes a deeper look at how Michigan schools operate, exploring topics from school safety, funding, and special education to curriculum, accountability, and school choice. Through conversations with education leaders and policymakers across the state, listeners will gain insight into the decisions that shape the school experience for students, parents, and communities throughout Michigan.
PODCASTS:
Sept. 29, 2026 ~ Many of the biggest decisions affecting local schools are made far from the classroom. Learn how lobbying, legislation, federal policy, school funding formulas, and emerging education initiatives shape the daily realities facing districts across Michigan. This episode examines the influence of Lansing and Washington, the debate surrounding federal tax-credit scholarship programs, and the challenges school leaders face as mandates, funding pressures, and political priorities continue to evolve. Guests for this edition include: Kelley Cawthorne principal David Ladd; Collins & Blaha attorney Gary Collins; Hechinger Report journalist Neil Morton; and Wayne RESA Senior Executive Director of Legislative Affairs Mike Lottifus.
Sept. 22, 2026 ~ Career and technical education has evolved far beyond the vocational programs many adults remember. Learn why student demand is surging in fields ranging from healthcare and skilled trades to graphic design and entrepreneurship, how schools are partnering with colleges and employers to expand opportunities, and why hands-on learning is becoming a critical workforce pipeline for Michigan’s economy. Guests for this edition include: Oakland Schools Executive Director of Student Services Jarrad Grandy; Macomb Intermediate School District Career and Technical Education Consultant and CEPD Administrator Shannon Williams; South Redford School District CTE Administrator and Thurston High School Assistant Principal Beth Harris; Genesee Intermediate School District Executive Director of Career and Technical Education Diana Allard; St. Clair County RESA Director of Career and Technical Education Lesley Murphy; Southgate Anderson High School CTE instructor Noelle Sherrer and student Jaley Pollock; and Wakeley Associates principals Ron Simon and Brian Smilnak.
Sept. 15, 2026 ~ Special education is far more than paperwork, meetings, and compliance requirements. Learn how Michigan schools identify students with disabilities, develop individualized plans, determine the least restrictive learning environment, and partner with families to support student success. This episode also explores the growing role of assistive technology, the challenges of staffing special education programs, and the resources available to help parents navigate the process. Guests for this edition include: Wayne RESA Assistant Superintendent of Special Education and Early Intervention Services Dr. Jennifer Taiariol; St. Clair County RESA Executive Director of Special Education Deana Tuczek; Genesee Intermediate School District Assistant Superintendent of Special Education Steve Polega; and Macomb Intermediate School District Assistant Superintendent for Special Education and Student Services Justin Michalak.
Sept. 8, 2026 ~ Student achievement is often measured by standardized test results, but educators say the full picture is far more complex. Discover how assessments, attendance, reading proficiency, classroom engagement, and targeted interventions work together to shape student success across Michigan schools. Learn why experts caution against relying on a single score to judge student performance, and how schools use data, early literacy strategies, and family partnerships to help students thrive. Guests for this edition include: Chief Academic Officer at Macomb Intermediate School District Dr. Alesia Flye; Executive Director of Educational Services at Wayne RESA Mari Treece; Director of Continuous Improvement at Wayne RESA Dr. Angela Jack; and third-grade teacher at Flickinger Elementary School in Utica Community Schools Darcy MacKenzie.
Sept. 1, 2026 ~ The conversation around school safety often starts with physical security, but it rarely ends there. Learn why trust, mental health, attendance, and student engagement have become critical pieces of Michigan’s school safety equation, and how schools use each as an early indicator of student well-being. Guests for this edition include: O’Reilly Rancilio Attorney Don Denault; Wayne RESA School Safety Liaison Joe Kehoe; Wayne RESA Deputy Superintendent of Administrative Services Kelly Bohl; Independent Education Consultant and Retired Superintendent Todd Robinson; Warren Consolidated Schools Director of Security & Crisis Management Rick Scholz; and Lake Orion High School Principal Daniel Haas.
ABOUT THE HOST:
DR. ROBERT LIVERNOIS
Dr. Robert Livernois is a distinguished figure in the field of education, with a career spanning over 36 years. He has served in various capacities, including classroom teacher, school principal, and most recently, as superintendent of Warren Consolidated Schools.
His extensive experience covers a multitude of educational aspects, including teaching and learning, technology integration, social-emotional learning, school safety, and the impact of social media on kids.
Dr. Livernois is also an adjunct faculty member at Wayne State University’s College of Education, where he contributes to the development of future educators.
PRESENTED BY:
