Midland High’s Unified Sports and ESA partnership highlighted as district says elementary program space is at capacity

Midland Public Schools showcased Unified Sports and described how a long‑standing partnership with Midland County ESA supports students with exceptional learning needs, but district leaders warned Tuesday that elementary school space is maxed out and the ESA will request additional classrooms next year.

The presentation at the Feb. 18 Board of Education meeting centered on Midland High School's Unified Champions program — a team that pairs students with and without intellectual disabilities — and on the broader collaboration that places ESA specialists inside MPS buildings. "Unified Sports is a nationwide initiative that joins athletes with and without intellectual disability disabilities on the same team," Athletic Director Eric Albright said, explaining the program's purpose and how Midland added Unified basketball in 2019 and bocce in 2021.

The district tied the extracurricular program to classroom supports. "We're gonna be sharing with you how Midland Public Schools partners with Midland County ESA to, promote inclusivity and the least restrictive environment," Special Services Supervisor Lindsay Johnson told the board. Anthony Gates, the district's special services…