Belonging Committee

The Mt. Pleasant Public Schools Board of Education established a Belonging Committee during the 2022-23 school year. The Committee's immediate charge was to foster cultural awareness, a sense of belonging, and well-being throughout our district. This group is not a decision-making committee but serves as an advisory group to the district.

The Belonging Committee meets once a month to:

  • Develop a baseline understanding of the current climate to ensure all voices in our community are represented

  • Support the goal areas of the 2024-2029 MPPS Strategic Plan

  • Identify areas where additional support is needed to enhance student and staff well-being

  • Establish specific goals to create a welcoming and inclusive school environment

  • Communicate our progress and initiatives to the community

  • Build a Belonging Committee strategic plan

  • Support a school culture that values respect, understanding, and connection

About Us

The Belonging Committee is composed of parents of students attending schools within our district, as well as community members, teachers, administrators, and school board members. Members were selected through a public application process, which was announced and made available in all newsletters starting in July 2022. Each summer, some members step down, and new members are added to continue the work of fostering a supportive and connected school community.

Current Belonging Committee Task Force members:

  • Dr. Wiline Pangle (Chair) – MPPS School Board President and parent of students within the district

  • Nicole Hagle (Co-Chair) – MPMS Teacher

  • Carlin Borsheim-Black – Parent of students within the district

  • Linda Boyd – MPPS Assistant Superintendent

  • Amanda Buzard – community member

  • Amy Chumah – Parent of student within the district, community member

  • Zach Cresswell – MPHS Teacher and parent of students within the district

  • Jillian Davidson – Parent

  • Lisa Diaz Sytsema – Parent of student within the district, community member

  • Rosa Garcia-Moon – Parent of student within the district, community Member

  • Laura Gourlay – MPPS Counselor

  • Patty Hovey – Parent of student alum within the district, community member

  • Melissa Isaac – MPPS School Board Member and parent of students within the district

  • Lori Lillie – MPHS Teacher

  • Kt Mandoka – MPPS alum, community member, Great Lakes Bay Pride organization member

  • Crystal Parker – Community member

  • Summer Peters – Community member, parent of student within the district, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal member

  • Cecilia Stevens – Parent of student within the district, community member, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe youth council advisor

  • Jennifer Verleger – MPPS Superintendent

  • Darby Weaver – MPMS Principal

  • Winnay Wemigwase – MPPS Counselor

  • Margo Wilson – Parent of student within the district, community member