Advocacy Committee

Leadership • Advocacy • Collaboration 

YOUR VOICE MAKES A DIFFERENCE!

Welcome to our advocacy landing page—your go-to resource for staying connected to the issues that matter most. Here, you can explore current advocacy efforts, learn why they’re important to our field, and discover ways to get involved. Whether you’re just getting started or already actively advocating, you’ll find helpful tools, guidance, and information on how to connect with your elected officials. Your voice plays an important role in driving meaningful change.

🚨 Call to Action: Provide Public Comment on IDEA Part B
Public Comment Window Open
March 18, 2026 – April 17, 2026 (closes at 5:00 p.m. EST)

As required by federal law, the Annual State Application under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for Federal Fiscal Year 2026 is available for public review.

Why This Matters

This is a critical opportunity to ensure that federal resources are aligned to improving outcomes for students with disabilities. Your voice helps shape priorities, strengthen systems, and elevate what is needed across our state.

📝 MAASE Public Comment Template

The MAASE Board of Directors has submitted comment on behalf of the association. Members are welcome to use this as a template if they agree with the content.

Access MAASE Template

How to Review and Submit Public Comment

2. Submit via Email

MDE-OSE-Public-Comment@michigan.gov (Subject line: Federal Application 2026)

3. Submit via Fax / Mail

Fax: (517) 241-7128

Mail:
Program Accountability – Federal Application
Office of Special Education
Michigan Department of Education
P.O. Box 30008, Lansing, MI 48909

About

The Advocacy Committee strives to:

Connect MAASE members to legislative and policy issues that affect them and the families they serve.

Act as a bridge to the Michigan Department of Education, providing voice to active matters in special education.

Develop meaningful opportunities to participate in the legislative process with elected officials.

Find your Legislators Here:

Stay configured with elected leadership across your specific voting districts.

Michigan Senators House Representatives
Email the Governors Office:
Emma Young
Deputy Director of Policy
YoungE14@michigan.gov

Co-Chairs

Connect directly with the committee leadership team.

Dr. Erin Senkowski

Dr. Erin Senkowski

Deputy Superintendent of Instructional Programs
Saginaw ISD
📞 989-249-8708
senkowskie@sisd.cc
Dave Krantz

Dave Krantz

Executive Director of Special Education
Saginaw ISD
📞 989-249-8754
dkrantz@sisd.cc

Click the image below to hear Erin Senkowski share more about the committee!

The Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) is a statewide network of educational leaders advancing equitable outcomes for students with disabilities through leadership, collaboration, and advocacy.

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