Bay Mills Community College Hosts Inspiring Fall Leadership Conference for Charter School Leaders

Brimley, MI – On September 29-30, 2025, the campus of Bay Mills Community College (BMCC) was abuzz with educational leadership and collaboration as the BMCC Charter Schools Office hosted its annual Fall Leadership Conference. The event brought together leaders from the 43 schools chartered by BMCC for two days of professional development, networking, and reflection.

The conference featured the esteemed Dr. Sherene McHenry as its keynote speaker, who engaged attendees with powerful sessions focused on transformative leadership. Her presentations provided school leaders with practical strategies for building highly motivated teams, navigating complex conflicts, and fostering psychologically safe and inclusive school cultures.

The timing of the conference held a deeper significance, as attendees collectively observed Orange Shirt Day on September 30th. School leaders and BMCC staff wore orange in a powerful display of solidarity, honoring residential school survivors, their families, and communities, and reaffirming their shared commitment to a educational environment where every child matters.

Beyond the impactful sessions, the conference schedule offered opportunities for connection and rejuvenation. Attendees enjoyed a beautiful evening of networking and camaraderie at the scenic Wild Bluff Golf Course, providing a perfect setting to unwind and build relationships outside the conference rooms.

This gathering underscores the significant role of the BMCC Charter Schools Office, which began authorizing charter schools in 2000. Today, it is a cornerstone of educational innovation in Michigan, authorizing 43 schools that serve over 23,000 students. The office’s mission is clear: to ensure a quality education for urban, minority, and/or poor children by improving and expanding educational opportunities through innovative oversight methods.

Reflecting on the event's success, Mariah Wanic, Director of Charter Schools at BMCC, shared her enthusiasm:

“This year’s Fall Leadership Conference was an incredibly valuable experience for our school leaders. It provided time and space to connect, reflect, and engage in meaningful professional development. Dr. Sherene McHenry’s sessions offered powerful insights on building motivated teams, navigating conflict, and creating psychologically safe school cultures. These tools will have a lasting impact on how our leaders support their staff, students, and school communities.”

The 2025 Fall Leadership Conference has set a powerful tone for the school year, equipping leaders with new tools and a strengthened network to continue their vital work in serving thousands of students across the state.