Katie Schmiedeknecht — MDE Analyst
Position
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Michigan Department of Education |
| Office | Office of Educator Excellence (OEE) |
| Title | Analyst |
Connection to Banks Network Verified
| Connection | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Loophole provider | Communicated the compliance pathway that allowed MacDowell to avoid penalties for Banks operating without credentials | FOIA email chain |
Key Facts
- MDE investigated Banks for having no credential in February 2022
- Schmiedeknecht provided the procedural guidance the school used to avoid enforcement
- Banks became sole manager of MacDowell approximately 4 months after the investigation
- Whether the loophole was provided in good faith or represented inadequate oversight is an open question for investigators
FOIA Evidence
Schmiedeknecht’s role is documented in the MDE FOIA email chain showing the internal handling of the Banks credential investigation.
Verify
- Michigan Department of Education staff directory
All information sourced from MDE FOIA response (Sep 25, 2026).