MASA eUpdate

This week's edition of the "Henton Headlines" features a court opinion on non-weather-related asynchronous days schools and IEPs, top 10 skill priorities for 2027, and materials from the recent budget reduction sessions. Read the full post here.

As we approach Veterans Day, MASA extends our deepest gratitude to all veterans in our community. Your service and dedication inspire us, reminding us of the value of courage and sacrifice. Thank you for all you have done.

Due to bylaw revisions that were introduced at the November 7 MASA Annual Meeting, we have scheduled a Special Meeting for members to join and vote on the proposed revisions.

Date: Monday, December 9 | Add to calendar
Time: 8 – 8:30 a.m. Central

Join the Zoom Room here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82233770560?pwd=VNA9bAA1UYaVbjtsGXcLTfN3JrTjJf.1

MASA is pleased to introduce our LGBTQ+ affinity group facilitated by Dr. Teri Staloch, Superintendent of Robbinsdale Area Schools. The goal of this group is to provide a confidential, supportive space for LGBTQ+ school administrators to connect, share their unique experiences, and engage in meaningful discussions. The affinity group sessions will not be recorded. We welcome MASA members who identify as LGBTQ+ to participate in these virtual sessions!

Register for all the sessions here!

Meetings will be held virtually via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month from 11 a.m. to noon, with the exception of the February and March dates. Participants will determine topics for upcoming meetings at this first meeting! The first session is November 21 at 11 am!

Full information and all meeting dates can be found at www.mnasa.org/lgbtq-affinity-group.

Facilitated by Dr. Stacie Stanley, Superintendent, Edina Public Schools
November 8, 2024 | 8 - 9 am | 8 - 9 am via Zoom

Seven more sessions left! | November 2024 to May 2025

Register for all the sessions here: https://forms.gle/X8F15m45oZ6aBdTQ8

If you know of a colleague who would benefit from attending these sessions, please forward this information to them. All individuals who identify as women are encouraged to attend! CEUs have been requested from the Minnesota Board of School Administrators (BOSA). Participants must attend the sessions synchronously to be eligible for CEUs. Full info at the Women's Leadership Network webpage.

2025 MDE/MASA Back to School Conference
August 5, 2025 | Minneapolis Marriott Northwest, Brooklyn Park!
Stay Tuned for More Info!

Tuesday, November 19, 2024 | 10:00 – 11:00 am

Add to Calendar | Zoom Registration

Presented by:

Jim Ciemny, Licensed Mental Health Clinician and K-12 Principal
Dr. Lauren Fulkerson, Pediatrician, Wellness Coach, and Mental Health Advocate
Panos Efsta, Founder and Chief Pioneer of Dawn Health

This session will explore how MN Schools and Dawn Health can collaborate to support student well-being and empower families through comprehensive mental health services. We will discuss the benefits of partnering to provide proactive interventions, addressing both mental and metabolic health needs within your school community. Together, we can create a thriving environment for students and their families.

Join MASA for strategy sessions aimed at helping school district leaders navigate the challenges of budget reductions. Metro-area superintendents will share their experiences and strategies for managing cuts, engaging staff and community, and maintaining vital programs. Attendees will be encouraged to share their budget challenges, offer their insights, and engage with colleagues to work through common issues! Full information and FAQs: www.mnasa.org/budget-strategy.

All sessions will be held in person. No virtual participation will be offered. Register for a session here!

Session Details

December 12 | 1 - 2:30 pm | Add to calendar

Northwest Service Cooperative, Erskine

December 19 | 10 - 11:30 am | Add to calendar

SWWC Service Cooperative, Redwood Falls

MASA members are invited save the dates for a series of virtual legislative updates from MASA Lobbyist Valerie Dosland during the 2025 Minnesota Legislative Session! We are happy to partner again with the Minnesota Association of School Business Officials (MASBO) for these sessions.

Dates and Times

All sessions will be held virtually from 12:30 - 1:30 pm!

January 17

January 31

February 14

February 28

March 14

March 28

April 11

April 25

May 22

Full information and Zoom links will be sent to members and included in the eUpdate in the coming weeks!

MASA will be featuring our valued business partners in our weekly association eUpdate to all MASA members. We will select a business partner each week to feature in the weekly eUpdate. Thank you for your continued partnership with MASA!

Submit your business information here: https://forms.gle/q9kjUFV3Dv7aQp7F7.

View the full eUpdate here!

On November 2, Kent Pekel, Superintendent of Rochester Public Schools, received the National Association for Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Rochester Branch's Educating the Minds Award on behalf of Rochester educators. This new Rochester Branch NAACP award honors an instructor, author, trainer, consultant, or organization who shares an infectious love for learning, is compassionate, flexible and creative in delivering instructions to a diversified audience and makes a difference in the lives of their students. Congratulations to Rochester Public Schools and Superintendent Pekel on this award!

Dr. Belinda Selfors, Superintendent of Stewartville Public Schools, is seeking information on the use of Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRA) for employee health insurance.

If your district is currently using an ICHRA plan or has previously used ICHRA and transitioned back to a traditional health insurance vendor, Dr. Selfors would appreciate your insights.

Please contact: Belinda Selfors, Superintendent, Stewartville Public Schools (belinda.selfors@ssdtigers.org).

Dr. Don Lifto is providing MASA members with 24 referendum strategies under the banner of “School Tax Elections: Winning Strategies in 250 Words.” One strategy will be posted to the MASA website each month. You can find Don's latest referendum strategy, "​​Laying the Foundation, Part 2" online at: www.mnasa.org/school-tax-elections.

Episode 10: Cultivating Student Growth Culture

Listen Here!

Host Bob McDowell, Ed.D. talks with Dr. Troy Miller, Superintendent of New Richmond Public Schools, about cultivating a student growth culture. Dr. Miller shares how to first identify priorities with the school board by leveraging data. To successfully implement a student growth culture requires leaders to be committed to student growth, build excitement, empower teams, and have a clear strategic plan. Building a passionate and motivated team is key to making the shift toward student growth.

Tailored to current and future school leaders, the Rethink Possible podcast delivers relatable and relevant content from superintendents and other education thought partners. Each conversational episode provides solutions to common challenges and opportunities while accommodating the busy lifestyle of today's school leaders.

You're an incredible educator, and long-time corporate supporter, Horace Mann, recognizes the hard work you put in every day. That's why they partner with education nonprofits like DonorsChoose, who sincerely appreciate and support your dedication to our next generation. As a thank you this holiday season, Horace Mann is thrilled to offer MASA members and their teachers a $25 DonorsChoose credit just for getting a quick, no-obligation auto insurance quote* anytime between Nov.1 – Nov. 30, 2024. Read the full information here!

The Minnesota Community Education Association (MCEA) is proud to announce that Matt Hillmann, Superintendent of Northfield Public Schools, has been named the recipient of the 2024 Most Supportive Administrator of the Year Award. This distinguished award recognizes administrators who champion community education programs and demonstrate exceptional support for community-driven educational initiatives. Read the full story here! Congratulations, Dr. Hillmann!

Dr. Charles Rick, Perpich Center for Arts Education Executive Director, is retiring from Perpich with over five years of service. His last day will be Friday, November 22nd. Charles started at Perpich in August of 2019. When asked to reflect on his time at Perpich, Charles offered, "Perpich is a special community and I am glad to have been part of it the past few years. I truly want to thank the Board of Directors and the Perpich staff, faculty, and students for their support. My takeaway from my experiences at Perpich Center for Arts Education is the vast amount of talent and dedication for arts education in Minnesota. It has been my honor, as Executive Director, to advocate for arts education." Read the full story here!

You can find the full information online here!

Need procurement solutions? Please consider checking out our Minnesota School District Purchasing Sites! We have partnered with Sourcewell and Cooperative Purchasing Connection to create two purchasing sites for MASA members! Check them out here!

Facilitated by Dr. Bernadeia Johnson

Seven sessions left! | November 2024 - May 2025 | 8 - 9 am via Zoom
Register for all the sessions here: https://forms.gle/8BWUYsurXL2TouvD7

MASA members and our fellow educational leaders who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) are invited to join the 2024-25 BIPOC Affinity Group. If you have any colleagues who would benefit from this group, please encourage them to attend! Full session schedule and information can be found at www.mnasa.org/bipoc.

Facilitated by Dr. Michael Thomas

Six sessions remaining! | November 2024 - May 2025 | 8 - 9 am via Zoom

Register for all the sessions here | No cost to attend!

MASA members are invited to join us in a series of professional dialogue sessions exploring topics of interest to our currently practicing school administrators. While the topics may be general in nature, the group will specifically address issues of race and culture pertinent to the conversation. Please note that at this time, participation in this series is open to only MASA members. Full session schedule and information can be found at www.mnasa.org/professional-dialogue-sessions.

We hope the school year has gotten off to a fabulous start for you and your students! We are excited to welcome you to the MASA Instructional Leaders Networking meetings this year! Facilitated by our Curriculum Component Group representatives to the MASA Board of Directors, Craig Anderson and Vera Weber, we invite you to add the following dates/times to your calendars:

• November 15 - Meeting Link | 1-2 pm | Add to calendar
• January 17 - Meeting Link | 1-2 pm | Add to calendar
• April 25 - Meeting Link | 1-2 pm | Add to calendar

We look forward to meeting together soon and throughout the school year! Please contact Lori Zimmerman with questions.

The MASA Foundation is pleased to announce the return of the Foundation Endowment Campaign! All proceeds from the campaign go toward achieving the Foundation’s mission of enhancing the leadership development of educational administrators just like you. Can your fellow MASA members count on your support for 2024-25? Full info at www.mnasa.org/donate.

Post unlimited job vacancies, for all levels of positions. The MASA Jobsite Online is well managed with daily attention to detail and customer service. The cost of an annual subscription is less than just a few advertisements placed in the major and local newspapers. Also, the Department of Education recognizes the MASA Jobsite as a valid advertisement when a school district is seeking a variance for a teacher in a specific subject. We currently have 118 districts using the Jobsite and they have posted nearly 2,000 jobs!

members@mnasa.org | www.mnasa.org

P.O. Box 427, Medford, MN 55049

(651) 645-6272

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