News

Neola’s 2017 Policy Forum, Golf Outing, and Reception

 TO:   MASA 2017 Fall Conference Attendees

FROM:   Richard N. Clapp, Ph.D.

The new owners of the Interlochen Golf Club in Interlochen, Michigan are welcoming us back for Neola’s policy forum and golf outing.  It will be held at on Tuesday, September 19th.  As in past years, coffee and pastries will be available at 9:00 am, registration will begin at 9:30 am, and the policy forum will begin promptly at 10:00 am.

Joining me to present at this year’s policy clinic will be Charyn Hain, Neola’s legal counsel from Varnum Riddering.  Charyn and I will hold forth on a couple “hot” topics that we believe will interest you, and then we’ll ask you to suggest policy-related topics that are of interest to you, today’s practitioners.  We’ll address those topics as best we can in the remainder of the time allotted.  Never fear, if the list is suggested topics is short or there’s time remaining before lunch, we’ll be prepared to share a preview of our next Update, as well as the latest developments regarding compliance with Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

Lunch will be served following the policy forum so those who will golf can tee off at 12:30 pm.

Given the laser focus of State and Federal governments on conflicts of interest, steps have been taken when planning our event so that the value of the clinic and golf outing falls well within the statutory provisions and MDE’s guidance about the permissible cost of such events.  We at Neola believe it is important to do so not only for ISD staff, but also for all local district superintendents.

You can choose to participate in all of the day’s events … just the policy forum and lunch … or join us only for lunch and the golf event.  We do need to finalize our arrangements by Tuesday, September 12th, so we’re asking that you RSVP your intentions by email to John Kuenzli at jkuenzli@neola.com by the close of business on Monday, September 11th.

REGISTER

In your email please indicate which events (policy forum, lunch, and golf) you will attend.  In addition, if you have a preferred foursome, one member of your group can email the names of those who would like to play together to John.  Please include the email addresses of all golfers, and indicate whether or not each intends to participate in the forum and lunch.

MASA’s Fall Conference format has changed and, since there won’t be an exhibit show, we’ll hosting a reception on Wednesday from 6pm–8pm. Join us for refreshments and an opportunity to learn about the new BoardDocs based policy platform. We will begin to migrate Michigan clients to the new platform towards the end of this year.

In closing, we are proud to be the policy provider for MASB, and honored that more than 495 Michigan districts rely on us to help them keep their policies and guidelines current and legally correct.