Bright Midland is a community-led effort supporting our schools — starting with the Sinking Fund proposal and the conversation about what comes next. Learn More
About Us
About Bright Midland
Bright Midland is a grassroots, community-led effort committed to working together to build a bright future for the residents, schools, businesses, and organizations of Midland.
Our first focus is the Midland Public Schools Sinking Fund proposal on the ballot Tuesday, November 3. We are helping get needed information out, showing support and facilitating valuable community engagement and conversation.
Looking ahead, the journey doesn’t end in November. Supporting our schools is about supporting our community’s future. Strong schools help not only prepare our students for success, but attract families and employers, and provide opportunities that benefit everyone. By staying informed, getting involved, and working together, we can help shape the future of our schools and community. We are all stakeholders in what comes next.
who is bright midland? All of Us • Everyone is invited
You're part of what's next
Be Part of the Solution
YOU’RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE IF you care about the future of Midland Public Schools for both today’s students and the next generation.
YOU’RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE IF you believe strong schools matter to the vitality of our entire community.
YOU’RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE IF you want good information and a place to ask questions.
YOU’RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE IF, you have ideas, perspectives, and solutions to share.
YOU’RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE IF you want to help steward and shape what comes next.
Join Us!
Weekly Meetups
We are currently gathering weekly on Tuesday evenings at Nord Social, 6:30 -7:30 pm. Everyone is welcome and everyone’s perspective is needed.
We know
People Care & Want to Contribute
we believe
In Our Common Values
We Trust
We Can Find the Right Solutions
We know
There is a Doable Path Forward
Who Got Things Started?
We had a few conversations and got the ball rolling, but what matters more is where it's going.
We aren't campaign-type people. We are collaborators, problem solvers, entrepreneurs, and change leaders. We started bright Midland for the moment and for the future.
Jenny Bruzewski
MPS Parent with business community perspective. COO, Midland Business Alliance
The Back Story
In July 2026, Suzanne and Amy went for a walk.
Amy Sanborn had been part of the Blueprint for Tomorrow Steering Team, and Suzanne Rielle had been engaging with the facilities challenge since Fall of 2024. Both saw the need for continued and wider community engagement – not just to support a singular campaign, but to support the future of Midland Public Schools and the journey that lies ahead. The ideas started flowing and Bright Midland came to be.
Bright Midland is truly a grassroots effort. Two people soon became 5, then 7, then 13, then 17, and over 30 by September … and it continues to grow with each new voice, each ribbon tied, and each perspective shared.
We hope you’ll join us and be a part of what’s next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bright Midland have a legal structure?
Yes. In order for us to support the Sinking Fund proposal on the ballot November 3, 2026, there are specific campaign finance laws we must follow. These laws are governed by the State of Michigan under Michigan’s Campaign Finance Act (MCFA), P.A. 388 of 1976. To be compliant, we filed a Ballot Question Committee. Our Ballot Question Committee is filed as "Bright Midland, 4518 James Dr. Midland, MI 48642".
How is Bright Midland different than ConNEXTion?
Bright Midland is a community-led effort. Everyone is invited to engage in the support and shaping of the future of Midland Public Schools.
ConNEXTion is an MPS-led effort structured as a two-way dialogue with the community. It is a one-year program for which community members apply. The group meets monthly and discuss different topics each month. Note that all applicants for the 2026-27 cohort were able to be included in the program. The MPS web page about ConNEXTion shares more details as well as posts each monthly presentation - LINKED HERE.