Dave Sipka, superintendent of the MAISD, is asking community members to donate books for its 50th anniversary.

The MAISD’s main office at 630 Harvey Street in Muskegon, Wesley School, the Muskegon Area Career Tech Center, Muskegon Barnes & Noble, Community Schools Credit Union, and the White Lake Beacon are all serving as drop sites for the countywide effort. The MAISD is also seeking 50 corporate partners and individuals to provide funds to purchase books for students that are supportive of the new state standards.

“Rather than celebrate the birth of our ISD with cake and ice cream, we wanted to serve our schools by collecting books of every shape and size for children at every grade level,” said Superintendent Dave Sipka. “Our goal is to collect thousands of books that teachers will select from during a free used-book-giveaway for teachers planned for March 21 and 25, 2013, from 2-6 p.m. at our main office,” added Sipka. “Local teachers are excited about the prospect. We are even fielding calls from other counties who have heard about our giveaway—but we need more books!”

According to Sipka, the MAISD is celebrating 50 years of leadership, innovation, and results for students, schools and the community. Created by lawmakers in 1962, the MAISD is one of 56 educational service units in Michigan that saves money and resources for neighborhood public schools by providing consolidated services; training teachers in the latest research-based methods; piloting innovative programs that districts couldn’t afford on their own; and coordinating early childhood education, special education, and career technical education services.

Barnes & Noble Muskegon customers jump-started the MAISD’s book-gathering efforts with a holiday book drive that netted over 700 books. Sipka recently accepted the final box of books from Store Manager Christine Ward and Community Relations Manager Ramona Opperman.

Financial supporters so far include Community Schools Credit Union, C.W. Marsh Inc., David Utzinger, Erdman Machine Company, Hines Corporation, Kendall Electric, and Quality Tool & Stamping Co., Inc.