MPS ConNEXTion: A Two-Way Communication Group

MPS ConNEXTion is a dedicated group of Midland Public Schools parents/guardians, students, business partners, and community members who serve as a two-way communication link between MPS and the community.

This isn’t a committee—it’s a living, breathing information network designed to keep Midland connected with its public schools. From large organizations to neighborhood groups, book clubs, and coffee conversations, MPS ConNEXTion members ensure factual information doesn’t just get shared… it also gets heard.

The application period for the first cohort of MPS ConNEXTion is now closed for the 2026-2027 school year. Stay tuned for more details on what they do and who they are!

MPS ConNEXTion exists to help our school community move forward—together.

We believe an informed community is a supportive, connected community. By creating a direct, consistent pathway between community members and district leadership, MPS ConNEXTion strengthens understanding, builds trust, and helps MPS better serve every student.

This group brings together voices from across Midland to improve how information flows and how feedback reaches decision-makers in our district. Even the smallest of changes can start here!

MPS ConNEXTion is brand-new to our district, so you have the opportunity to help us co-create this group: How it runs, what we cover, and how it helps satisfy the needs of our community and our district. You're in on the ground floor!

Members of MPS ConNEXTion will:

Stay in the loop

Members meet once per month from 6-7 p.m. to hear directly from district leaders and learn about key topics shaping MPS. The "term" for MPS ConNEXTion is 1 year, so there's no long-term commitment beyond that.

Bring real conversations forward

Members share what they’re hearing in their networks, including questions, concerns, ideas, and even wins, from across the community.

Be a part of what’s happening

Members leave each session with clear, accurate information to share, helping keep Midland informed, aligned, and moving forward together as a school community.

MPS ConNEXTion members are not employed by MPS, not paid for their time, and not part of a committee or advocacy group. They are community members interested in learning, sharing feedback with us, and helping others get better connected to our district!

As an MPS ConNEXTion member, you’re more than just informed—you’re influential.

You become a trusted source of information in your network and a valued partner to Midland Public Schools. Your voice helps ensure that no matter where someone lives or works in Midland, they have a connection to our schools and a clear understanding of what’s happening and what’s ahead.

2026-2027 MPS ConNEXTion Members

• Thomas John Bender
• Luke Birchmeier
• Holly Briggs
• Susan Close
• Cory Cooke
• Trevor Dahl
• Matt DeVries
• Emily Dittmer
• Tara Ell
• Alex Gray
• Emily Hoon
• Jamie Johnson
• Rose Jones
• Margie Lamas
• Carly Lillard
• Casie McCabe
• Christina Mathews
• Brady Meyette
• Michelle Morgenstern
• Amanda Nolen
• Krista Parks
• Marcie Post
• Eve Rankin
• Suzanne Rielle
• Nikki Sprague
• Gloria Stark
• Melissa Steinka
• Beiqin Sun
• Tara Welch