2025 MASA Midwinter Conference

John M. Searles is the superintendent of Midland County Educational Service Agency and has more than 30 years of service to public education.  He has studied at Aquinas College, the University of Seville, Western Michigan University, and Michigan State University.  John has served on the executive boards and as president of the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators and the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators. John was appointed by former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and was reappointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to the Mental Health Diversion Council, and he serves on the boards of Disability Network of Mid-Michigan, Midland Kids First, and the Arnold Center, and has been elected by his peers to the National Executive Council of the Association of Educational Service Agencies.  Superintendent Searles served as co-chair of the Long-term Disaster Recovery Group after catastrophic flooding affected the region in May of 2020.  He is currently working on initiatives to develop and retain educator talent, to improve access to high-quality early care and preschool, and to improve the wellbeing of students and those who serve them.