Member service is paramount to us As a result, we’ve officially launched a regional office in the Upper Peninsula to better meet the needs of school districts north of the bridge.
We understand that the geographic distance between Lansing and the U.P. can make it difficult, but it’s our position that service to our members in the U.P. shouldn’t suffer as a result.
In addition to a physical space, MASB is pleased to have the individuals listed below join our team as regional representatives providing MASB training and services to superintendents and school boards in the U.P. They’re familiar with the unique issues facing U.P. districts and are available to deliver programming at your district, designed for your specific needs.
Meet Your U.P. Regional Representatives
Labor Relations Consultant
Thomas Smith, Escanaba
Ph: 906.420.8065
E-mail: tcsmith@chartermi.net
MASB U.P. Office
Marquette-Alger RESA
321 E. Ohio
Marquette, MI 49855
Ph: 800.968.4627
MASB Deputy Director Don Wotruba and
Marquette-Alger RESA Superintendent
Steve Peffers officially open the MASB
regional office in the Upper Peninsula.
Board of Directors
MASB has two directors on its board representing districts in the U.P. (Region 1).
Paula Saari, Marquette-Alger RESA
E-mail: pdsaari@gmail.com
Brad Baltensperger, Houghton-Portage Township Schools
E-mail: brad@mtu.edu
MASB Mentors in the U.P.
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Nels Christopherson, Houghton Portage Township Sc/Copper Country ISD
E-mail: nels@mtu.edu
Ph: 906.482.6086
Nels has served on the Copper Country ISD Board of Education for 19 years and served on the Houghton-Portage Township Schools board for 20 years. He has served as president, secretary and treasurer of both boards at various times throughout his career, and has presented at MASB conferences. Contact Nels for questions on:
- Negotiations
- Finance
- Personnel
- Role of the ISD
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Karen Johnson, Calumet Public Schools/Copper Country ISD
E-mail: johnsonka@chartermi.net
Ph: 906.337.5184
Karen has served for 24 years on the Calumet Public Schools and 18 as a board member on the Copper Country ISD Board of Education. During her tenure she has served as president for both the local and ISD board. Contact Karen with questions on:
- Early Childhood Education
- Superintendent Search
- Board-Superintendent Roles and Responsibilities
- Building Community Support for Bond Issues
- Chain of Command
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Julia Kronemeyer, Pickford Public Schools
E-mail: juliak@eup.k12.mi.us, Ph: 906.647.7638
Julia has served on the local board of education for 29 years and has 18 years experience serving on an ISD board. Julia values creativity, efficiency, learning, dedication, teamwork, integrity and family. Contact her with questions regarding:
- Goal Setting
- Legislation
- Special Education
- Board Governance
- Management vs. Micromanagement
- Board-Superintendent Relations
- Efficient Operations
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Shelley Ovink, Marquette-Alger RESA
E-mail:shelleyo@copper.net, Ph: 906.486.8020
Shelley has more than 21 years of school board experience, having served in all board positions and committees. She is the president of her County School Board Association and has served on several MASB committees. Contact Shelley about:
- CBAs & Certification
- Government Relations
- Educational Trends
- Vision Casting
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