July 2025

2025-26 INNOVATION GRANTS

Innovation Grants are being offered for the 2025-26 School Year. Up to $15,000 for school-wide programs (1 per building) and up to $1,000 for teacher/staff programs (2 per building).

As leaders and staff reflect on upcoming professional development and building initiatives, consider how an Innovation Grant could support student success.

The grant description, application, and report forms are located on our website.

CHARTER LEADER NETWORK

2025-2026 Dates:

At Saginaw Valley State University – Gilbertson Hall – 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

• Friday, August 15, 2025
• Friday, November 21, 2025
• Friday, March 6, 2026

Additional Important Dates to Remember

• School Innovation Grant deadline – September 26, 2025
• Teacher/Staff Innovation Grant deadline – December 1, 2025
• Cardinal Champions Awards nominations due – March 6, 2026
• Photo Contest deadline – April 10, 2026

BOARD MEMBER TIDBITS - IMPORTANT

Annual Two-Hour Board Training Requirement

All board members serving on SVSU-authorized public school academies are required to complete two hours of board training each school year.

Please record your completed training on the 2024-2025 Board Training Verification Form so that training can be noted by SVSU.

For the 2024–2025 school year, you have until July 25, 2025, to complete both the training and the verification form to remain in compliance for the 2024–2025 school year.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Student Service Updates 

THRUN LAW US Supreme Court Rejects Standard Disability Discrimination Case 

On June 12, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously eliminated the heightened protection public schools had against liability for compensatory damages in cases involving Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). AJT v Osseo Area Schools, Docket No. 24-249 (2025). It will now be easier for a person to prevail against a public school in a disability discrimination lawsuit if the allegation involves provision of educational services, including the provision of a free appropriate public education (FAPE).  Thrun Law June, 2025. 

Please review the article for more information. 

Just a reminder: Action Required by September 1, 2025 

Administrators should regularly review district websites to ensure all posted information remains current, accurate, and accessible. Additional guidance can be found on the Michigan Department of Education – Office of Special Education: https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/special-education 

Posting of District Procedures 

To support consistent compliance across districts, we are providing procedural templates that fulfill upcoming website posting requirements. These templates should be adapted and posted in a visible, accessible location on your district website by September 1, 2025. 

Child Find and Evaluation Procedures 

Outlines how the district identifies, locates, and evaluates students who may be eligible for special education services under IDEA. Download Template: Child Find and Evaluation (Template)

Discipline Procedures for Students with Disabilities 

Details district-level disciplinary protocols, including protections for students with IEPs and processes for manifestation determinations and behavior supports. 
Download Template: Disciplinary Procedure (Template) 

District teams should ensure that staff are aware of these procedures and trained accordingly. Whether using these templates or an internal version, districts must ensure compliance with both federal and state expectations. 

If your district needs support adapting these documents, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to help ensure your compliance efforts are successful and sustainable. 

TRAINING RESOURCES

SVSU Online Professional Development Offerings

All courses listed are at least 24 SCECH credits and can be completed between 4-6 weeks. All classes are $140 per person.

• Classroom Management Secrets
• Creating Safe Classroom Environments
• Creating the Inclusive Classroom: Strategies for Success
• Differentiated Instruction in the Classroom
• Solving Classroom Discipline Problems
• Student Engagement and Learning
• Survival Kit for New Teachers
• Teaching High School Students
• Teaching Students with ADHD
• Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities

Book time to meet with me (Chantra Williams to register your team for virtual courses utilizing the teacher/leader tuition discount).

See SVSU's Professional Development Page for a complete listing of offerings.