Professional growth does not stop once someone enters the workforce.
For many educators and school professionals, learning continues long after graduation — driven by a commitment to serving students, schools and communities at the highest level possible.
That dedication was recently recognized at the state level for Ingham ISD team member Amanda Steele.
Steele was selected as a recipient of the 2026 Wally Piper Scholarship through Michigan School Business Officials (MSBO), an organization that supports leadership, training and professional development for school business professionals across Michigan.
According to MSBO, the Wally Piper Scholarship honors active members working in school business who are pursuing graduate education to strengthen their technical skills and leadership competencies. The scholarship provides financial support for continued studies and recognizes individuals demonstrating strong commitment to the profession.
For Steele, that next step in professional growth includes graduate studies in Accounting Analytics at Michigan State University.
School business professionals play a critical — and often behind-the-scenes — role in public education. From budgeting and operations to payroll, purchasing and financial planning, their work helps ensure districts can effectively support students, staff and learning environments every single day.
While students may not always see the work happening behind office doors, those systems directly impact classrooms throughout the region.
The recognition also highlights the importance of continued professional learning within public education. Whether in classrooms, leadership positions or business offices, school professionals across Michigan continue adapting to evolving needs, technology and student support systems.
MSBO notes that scholarship recipients must demonstrate long-term commitment to school business leadership and be recommended by district leadership as part of the application process.
For Ingham ISD, Steele’s recognition represents more than an individual achievement.
It reflects the ongoing investment educators and school professionals make in improving systems, strengthening expertise and supporting students across the region.
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