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Leadership Connections
VISION
Our Purpose
At Leadership Connections, we aim to empower Michigan's superintendents by fostering collaboration and providing access to essential resources. Our mission is to enhance educational leadership through meaningful connections, resulting in improved outcomes for our schools and communities.
By facilitating both in-person and virtual engagements, we strive to promote dialogue, share insights, and create opportunities for growth among educational leaders.
Our Team
Our team consists of educational leaders with extensive experience in the field, dedicated to supporting superintendents across Michigan.
Paul Liabenow
Co-Founder
Paul Liabenow has dedicated his career to educating Michigan’s young people. With degrees from Michigan State University and Central Michigan University, Paul joined Cadillac Area Public Schools where he worked his way through the ranks of teacher, building leader, principal and district superintendent. Today Paul serves as the Executive Director of the Michigan Association of Elementary and Middle School Principals—working to build a community of educators dedicated to advocating, leading, and learning. He is also currently serving as Treasurer of Michigan Association of United Ways, Treasurer of Michigan Association of After School Partnerships, President of The Center for Education Improvement, President of Core Communications, President of The MEMSPA Foundation, and Board Member of the Michigan Assessment Consortium.
517-694-8955
John Spičko
Co-Founder
As a Michigan K-12 Educational leader for over 38 years, John’s sole focus has been to develop the best possible learning environments for the students, staff, and communities he served. John began teaching in Boca Raton, Florida in 1984. He received his bachelor’s degree in psychology / Education from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Masters from Marygrove College, and, Specialist in School Administration from Saginaw Valley State University.
John taught in Birmingham, MI, was an administrator in Oxford, Bloomfield Hills, Avondale, and Lake Fenton, and retired as Superintendent of the Perry Public Schools. John is the Michigan Regional Sales Manager for Creative Learning Systems: Smartlab and continues to consult with Michigan School Superintendents as the CEO/Partner of Leadership Connections LLP.
A strong advocate for improving student literacy and Science skills he is passionate about equity in education for all children. John is a father of two daughters, Jordyn a Social Studies Teacher and ,Jaime a graduate of Michigan State University in Nutritional Science. He enjoys running and golf with his wife Jodie of 45 years.
810-444-1904
PARTNERS
Our Collaborators
We partner with trusted organizations that share our commitment to advancing educational leadership and enhancing the resources available to superintendents across Michigan.
