Education Unpacked
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.
Episodes
Oct 9, 2025
Oct 9, 2025
7 min
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.
Oct 9, 2025
Oct 9, 2025
7 min
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.
Oct 9, 2025
Oct 9, 2025
8 min
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.