MASA eUpdate

This week's edition of the "Henton Headlines" features key takeaways from the MASA Spring Conference ThoughtExchange and reminders about contract renewal timelines. Read the full post here.

MASA is excited to announce the upcoming launch of our new website and fully integrated membership platform. This all-in-one system will simplify your experience by bringing together website access, event registration, member communications, and annual renewals into one seamless, easy-to-use platform. Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks!

Email your members of Congress as soon as you can and urge them to vote against funding proposals that will harm students.

This week, House Republicans will begin debate on their tax cuts package that they are moving through a process known as budget reconciliation. Right now, the House is debating several proposals that could directly harm students in your district.

• View the full message from AASA
• Click here for the MN US Rep. house staff contact list

Applications are now open for the 2025-26 Minnesota Aspiring Superintendents Academy. Proudly sponsored by Sourcewell, this program is designed for educators across the state who are considering the superintendency as a possible next step in their career path. The program provides a comprehensive experience that covers a wide range of topics, including leadership development, communication, school board relationships, decision-making, community engagement, interviewing and contract negotiation, and much more. The program is facilitated by experienced administrators and experts, providing participants with the skills and knowledge needed to lead a school district.

The program will take place across five two-day sessions from October 2025 to April 2026, in Little Canada. Space will be limited. The cost to participate is $1,250. Please note that this is NOT a licensure program. Full information and application can be found here: https://www.mnasa.org/aspiring-superintendents-academy. Application deadline: August 1, 2025

Take a look at our promotional video with testimonials from successful academy graduates – and be sure to share the flyer!

Do you know someone who should attend this academy? Be sure to share this information with them!

During the legislative session, MASA will be sending out weekly and special updates to members via email. If you missed an update we will be compiling them on the MASA website here: www.mnasa.org/legislative-updates.

MASA members are invited to the final virtual legislative updates from MASA Lobbyist Valerie Dosland during the 2025 Minnesota Legislative Session! Thank you to the Minnesota Association of School Business Officials (MASBO) for partnering and hosting the sessions.

The last session will be held on May 22 from 12:30 - 1:30 pm via Zoom. Access the session here!

Business Partner Level: Leader Level

InGensa, Inc.was a sponsor of the Minnesota State Breakfast at the AASA National Conference -and- the MASA/MASE spring conference refreshment and dessert breaks.

More about us: InGensa offers extensive services for every point in a planning process, resulting in a solid partner with a thorough understanding of the team’s vision and goals from start to finish. InGensa applies this knowledge to each phase of an initiative, always proactively considering how decisions in one phase will affect the next. Our unique approach creates collaborative teams that deliver the most value. The net benefit to our clients is top-quality service and a well-facilitated plan.

Our services include strategic planning around identified district initiatives, comprehensive facility planning (assessments, referendums, community engagement, and 10-year plans), design (architecture, civil, mechanical, electrical, and structural engineering), and agency construction management.

MASA Member Contact

Jacqui Coleman

President & CEO

jcoleman@ingensainc.com

(952) 222-3551

https://www.ingensainc.com/

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.

Turning everything happening in your school into a clear board update drains time. Use AI to speed it up without losing professionalism. Use this prompt:

• “Act as a K-12 school leader. Your task is to create a polished monthly board update using my rough notes. Write it as a professional, clear, positive update for a school board meeting..." Read the full AI School Leadership Minute here! Don't forget to subscribe!

Gruvy Education is a MASA Premier Business Partner

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, "Right Thing at the Wrong Time?" online at: www.mnasa.org/school-tax-elections.

Study.com recently surveyed 300 middle and high school teachers to uncover their top priorities and challenges for 2025. The survey was launched on January 14, 2025, and focused on capturing insights from middle and high school teachers actively working in classrooms. Participants were asked about their experiences, priorities, and the impact of emerging trends on their daily teaching practices, providing a comprehensive view of the current educational landscape. Their insights highlight critical issues, including:

• Student engagement and motivation – a top concern for 55% of educators
• AI and technology integration – 67% say it’s crucial for the future of teaching
• Teacher burnout and mental health – a growing challenge for 36% of teachers

Read the full post here!

Communicating how school funding works in Minnesota is no small task—especially with many districts facing tough budgeting decisions. To help, we’ve partnered with Captivate Media + Consulting to create a free video that clearly explains school funding and why so many districts are experiencing financial challenges. A statewide version of the video is available for any district to use at no cost. Watch the video and request a free download here: https://captivatemedia.us/mnschoolfunding/. Captivate Media + Consulting is a proud MASA Business Partner at the Leader Level.

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!

Don't have a subscription yet? Join today: https://jobsitemnasa.org/.

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.

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!

View the full eUpdate here!

Facilitated by Dr. Stacie Stanley, Superintendent, Edina Public Schools
Last Session: May 9 | 8 - 9 am via Zoom
The final is open to MASA members only

Join the final session here!

If you know of a colleague who would benefit from attending these sessions, please forward this information to them. 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.

Facilitated by Dr. Bernadeia Johnson
Last Session: May 20 | 8 - 9 am via Zoom
Final session open to MASA and non-members

Join the final session here!

MASA members and our fellow educational leaders are invited to join the 2024-25 Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Leadership 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.

MASA is pleased to introduce our LGBTQ+ leadership group facilitated by Dr. Teri Staloch, Superintendent of Robbinsdale Area Schools and Nik Lightfood, Assistant Superintendent, Hopkins Public 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 group sessions will not be recorded. We welcome all MASA and non-member central office administrator level staff and higher to participate in these virtual sessions!

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

Facilitated by Dr. Michael Thomas
Final session is May 27 | 8 - 9 am via Zoom

Register the last session 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 MASA members only. Full session schedule and information can be found at www.mnasa.org/professional-dialogue-sessions.

members@mnasa.org | www.mnasa.org

P.O. Box 427, Medford, MN 55049

(651) 645-6272

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