Education UnPacked: A Podcast About Public Education in Michigan
Education UnPacked dives deep into the heart of Michigan’s public education system—exploring the real stories, challenges, and triumphs shaping our schools today. Each episode unpacks what’s really happening in classrooms, boardrooms, and communities across the state.
From student and staff success stories to myths and misunderstandings about education, we shine a light on the people and policies impacting every child’s learning experience. We’ll also examine Michigan’s School Aid Fund—how it works, where the money goes, and why it matters for the future of public education.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, policymaker, or community member, this podcast helps you understand the true value, complexity, and impact of public education in Michigan.
Tune in weekly at BackPackPress.org/UnPacked and join the conversation about what it really takes to support our students, schools, and the people who serve them.
E10: Service with Heart - How Block Imaging Builds Careers from High School to Healthcare
This extended-length episode goes deeper than usual to explore Block Imaging’s mission of “people matter” and its partnership with Wilson Talent Center to create work-based learning and apprenticeship programs for high school students.
Listeners will hear how hands-on opportunities, mentoring, and career-readiness training help young people launch technical careers, stay in the community, and contribute to medical imaging that supports patient care—making the extra time well worth it given how rich the content is.
16 Dec 2025
E09: Meet Aidan Daenzer - Wilson Talent Center Alumni
In this episode of the Education UnPacked Podcast, host Micki O’Neil sits down with Aiden Daenzer, a graduate of the Wilson Talent Center’s Business and Risk Management program, to share how hands-on learning, job shadows, and internships helped him gain clarity, confidence, and a meaningful head start before college
11 Dec 2025
E08: Work-Based Learning - Employers
From Classroom to Career: How Wilson Talent Center Prepares Students for Work
2 Dec 2025
E07_Work-Based Learning - Students
Host Micki O’Neil talks with Wilson Talent Center coordinators Monique Colizzie and Jamie George about work-based learning for juniors and seniors: career awareness, exploration, preparation, and training. Hear how Boss Mode Boot Camp builds soft skills, why 22+ industry partners participate, and how paid/unpaid placements (with 20 students working already) create a real talent pipeline. Learn what employers want and how students get job-ready. Listen at BackPackPress.org/UnPacked.
20 Nov 2025
E06: From Classrooms to Careers: Inside Project SEARCH at MSU
Episode 6 | Life After High School: Transition Programs That Build Independence
In this episode, host Micki O’Neil talks with Michel McDonald, Director of Transition Programming at Ingham ISD, about post-high school services designed for students ages 18–26.
They discuss Project SEARCH—a one-year internship program created in partnership with Michigan State University and Michigan Rehabilitation Services—and SAIL (Skills for Adult Independent Living), which offers hands-on work experience, life skills development, and community-based training.
Listeners will learn about strong employment outcomes for graduates, individualized supports, transportation and community access, and how families can connect with Ingham ISD to explore these transition opportunities and next steps toward independent living.
Listen now at BackPackPress.org/UnPacked
11 Nov 2025
E05: From Classroom to Community: Inside SAIL's Transition Program
Episode 5 | Life After High School: Transition Programs That Build Independence
In this episode of the UnPacked Podcast, host Micki O’Neil talks with Michel McDonald, Director of Transition Programming at Ingham ISD, about post-high school services designed for students ages 18–26.
They discuss SAIL (Skills for Adult Independent Living), which offers hands-on work experience, life skills development, and community-based training.
Listeners will learn about strong employment outcomes for graduates, individualized supports, transportation and community access, and how families can connect with Ingham ISD to explore these transition opportunities and next steps toward independent living.
Listen now at BackPackPress.org/UnPacked
The conversation highlights the focus on independence, the variety of placements based on student needs, and program growth that expands opportunities for young adults with disabilities.
3 Nov 2025
E04: IEP vs 504 | What Every Family Needs to Know
Episode 4 | IEPs vs. 504 Plans: Unpacking Eligibility, Rights & Support Teams
Every student deserves not just access—but meaningful support and full participation in school. In this episode, we dive into the two key pathways that provide that support in K–12 education: the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Join us as we explore:
The civil-rights roots of Section 504 and how it paved the way to today’s accommodations.
How IDEA mandates specialized instruction and related services for eligible students—leading to an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
How Section 504 offers a broader eligibility definition and accommodations via a 504 Plan, for students who may not qualify under IDEA but need access.
What the eligibility criteria look like for each—what qualifies a student under IDEA vs. Section 504.
The team of educators, specialists, families and administrators who collaborate behind the scenes to make both IEPs and 504 Plans effective in practice.
Practical tips for school-leaders, teachers, and parents: how to navigate the planning process, understanding rights and roles, and supporting students’ success.
Tune in and build your fluency in these foundational supports—and emerge better equipped to advocate for all learners.
Listen now at BackPackPress.org/UnPacked
27 Oct 2025
E03: Special Education and Intermediate School Districts
Episode 3 | How Michigan’s Intermediate School Districts Support Special Education
Every student deserves the chance to succeed—and for many, that starts with the right support system. In this episode, we explore how Michigan’s Intermediate School Districts (ISDs)—also known as Regional Education Service Agencies (RESAs)—play a vital role in providing special education services throughout the state.
Hear from educators and experts as they discuss how ISDs collaborate with local school districts to meet diverse student needs, deliver specialized staff and resources, and ensure compliance with state and federal education laws.
This episode sheds light on the impact of these partnerships on students, families, and communities—and how coordinated support helps every learner reach their full potential.
Listen now at BackPackPress.org/UnPacked
20 Oct 2025
E02: Artificial Intelligence in Education
Episode 2 | How Artificial Intelligence Is Transforming Education
Artificial intelligence is reshaping classrooms across Michigan—and the conversation is just beginning. In this episode, host Micki O’Neil talks with Ingham ISD Superintendent Jason Mellema about how AI is transforming teaching, learning, and school operations.
From personalized instruction and real-time student support to AI pilot projects at Ingham ISD, this episode explores how emerging technology is redefining what’s possible in education. Learn how schools are using AI to enhance—not replace—human connection, bridge opportunity gaps, and prepare students for a rapidly changing world.
Listen now at BackPackPress.org/UnPacked to discover how educators are navigating innovation with equity, ethics, and excitement for the future of learning.
9 Oct 2025
E01.1: What is an Intermediate School District?
Episode 1.1 | How Michigan’s Schools Collaborate to Support Every Student
Across Michigan’s public education system, schools work together to meet the diverse academic and social-emotional needs of students and families—helping every learner reach their full potential.
Most people are familiar with their local school district, but fewer understand the vital role of Intermediate School Districts (ISDs)—also known as Regional Education Service Agencies (RESAs). These organizations provide specialized programs, professional development, and shared services that strengthen teaching and learning in local communities statewide.
In this first episode of a four-part series, Ingham ISD Superintendent Jason Mellema explains how local districts and ISDs collaborate to create a comprehensive network of educational opportunities, ensuring that every Michigan student has access to the support, expertise, and innovation they need to succeed.
Listen now at BackPackPress.org/UnPacked to learn how Michigan’s schools truly work better together.
9 Oct 2025
E01.2: Governance of Intermediate School Districts
Episode 1.2 | Understanding ISD Governance: How Michigan’s Education System Works
This episode is the second in a four-part series featuring Ingham ISD Superintendent Jason Mellema, exploring how local school districts and Intermediate School Districts (ISDs)—also known as Regional Education Service Agencies (RESAs)—work together to provide a full range of educational services for students and families from birth to age 26.
In this discussion, Superintendent Mellema breaks down the governance structure of Michigan’s ISDs, explaining how these regional agencies are organized, funded, and led, and how their collaborative work supports equitable access to quality education across the state.
Listen now at BackPackPress.org/UnPacked to better understand the leadership, accountability, and partnerships that keep Michigan’s public education system strong.
9 Oct 2025
E01.3: The History of Intermediate School Districts
Episode 1, Part 3 | The Evolving Role of Michigan’s Intermediate School Districts
In episode three of this four-part series, we explore the history of Michigan’s Intermediate School Districts (ISDs)—also known as Regional Education Service Agencies (RESAs)—and how their roles have expanded over time.
Join Ingham ISD Superintendent Jason Mellema as he explains the key responsibilities that have shifted to ISDs throughout Michigan’s education history, from special education and transportation to early childhood services and professional development. Discover how these changes continue to shape collaboration, efficiency, and innovation across local school districts.
Listen now at BackPackPress.org/UnPacked to understand how Michigan’s ISDs have evolved to better serve students, families, and educators statewide.
9 Oct 2025
E01.4: Intermediate School District Funding
Episode 1, Part 4 | How Michigan’s Intermediate School Districts Are Funded
This is the final episode in a four-part series exploring Michigan’s Intermediate School Districts (ISDs)—also known as Regional Education Service Agencies (RESAs)—with Ingham ISD Superintendent Jason Mellema.
In this episode, we unpack the complex funding structure behind Michigan’s ISDs and explain how it differs from local school district funding. Learn how ISDs receive and allocate resources from the School Aid Fund, federal grants, and local tax revenues—and how those dollars directly support students, families, and educators across the region.
Listen now at BackPackPress.org/UnPacked to better understand the dollars and decisions that drive Michigan’s public education system.
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