Voice of MN Education

MASA "On the Road w/ Charlie"...Meetings & Referendums

This is a message to the members of the Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA) from Charlie Kyte, Executive Director.

The audio podcast is 8 minutes long and can be heard by clicking the audio bar above.

CALLS FROM MEMBERS

We are receiving quite a few calls from members on a whole range of issues and are very happy to help where we can.  You can contact us at 651-645-6272.  You can also reach Charlie directly at 651-247-6505.  If we don't know what to recommend, we will find an answer.  Many times, our members just need someone to talk through a strategy when handing a complex situation.

ESEA/ NCLB...VISIT FROM BRUCE HUNTER, AASA LOBBYIST

Bruce Hunter is the head lobbyist for AASA and is now in discussions with congressional leaders about the re-authorization of NCLB.  He was in the Twin Cities this week and we quickly gathered a few MASA members to hear what is now being proposed for the re-authorization, and to give Bruce our recommendations on how he might proceed.

The congressional leaders know of the complaints and problems with the present NCLB Law.  The problem is that they are attempting to fix these problems with additional levels of complexity rather than just 'rolling back' some of the requirements.

REPRESENTATIVES NEEDED FOR 2 COMMITTEES

The MN Department of Education has a standing committee to review the UFARS requirements.  Sup't Dan Brooks of Sauk Centre has served in this capacity, but is now President-Elect of MASA.  We are looking for another member with an interest in this area to volunteer to serve.  This committee meet 3-4 times a year at the MDE.

The MN Board of Teaching has an Advisory Committee on Standards & Rules.  Some of the issues this group wrestles with include:  Middle level (middle school) Licensure, K-8 World Language specialty licenses, Technology task force and Reading task force recommendations, and associated discussions and brainstorming.  We are looking for a member with an interest in licensing issues to serve on this committee.  This committee meets monthly.

In either case, call or e-mail MASA to let us know of your interest.

MASA FALL CONFERENCE....MARK WOLAK IS RICHARD GREEN SCHOLAR

Mark Wolak, Mahtomedi Superintendent, is this years Richard Green Scholar.  He will be presenting his paper at the MASA Fall Conference in Duluth.  Many of you may not read this message until after the Conference and we hoped that all of you in attendance enjoyed the experience and learned a bit as well.

CHARLIE TO ATTEND REGIONAL MEETINGS

Charlie has been, and will be 'On the Road'.  Upcoming Regional meetings include:

Mankato and Rochester  October 31
Marshall                        November 7
Proctor                          November 8
Staples                         November 14
Thief River Falls            November 21
Worthington                  November 28

TESTIFYING TO SENATE COMMITTEES (YES, EVEN IN SEPTEMBER)

The Senators and State representatives have been as busy as little beavers.  MASA members testified at two hearings already and at least two more are scheduled in the next 10 days.  Tom Westerhaus and Kathy Leedom provided great testimony about NCLB to a Senate Hearing a week ago.  Jay Haugen, Meria Carstarphen and Bill Green testified on strategies to close the achievement gap this past week.  We will have members testifying on the States Report Card on Schools on Ocober 8th.

100 DISTRICTS HAVE REFERENDUMS ON THE BALLOT

Many Districts have a lot at stake in the November elections.  It is a crazy way to have to obtain money to run our schools, but it is our present reality.  Let's wish those seeking referendums well and do all we can to be supportive through this difficult time.

LOOKING AHEAD TO THE NEXT LEGISLATIVE SESSION....WILL THERE BE FUNDING FOR SCHOOLS

The funding for 2008-09 is only 1%, even less than the Governor recommended.  Our agents in the field tell us that if the November State Budget Forecast remains steady, or increases a bit, there is a good chance of seeing a bit more money appropriated for schools.  A lot hinges on that Forecast and not all of the signs are positive.  But we'll wait to see how things look in about 6 weeks.  We do know that we are not going to be able to keep school districts financially healthy with only 1% of new money.

MASA "On the Road"...Conferences, NCLB & Kindergarten

This is a report to the members of the Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA) from Charlie Kyte, Executive Director.

The audio pod cast is 7 1/2 minutes long.

MASA FALL CONFERENCE....SEPT 30-OCT 2

The Fall Conference is a great opportunity for networking and professional renewal.  The fall colors should be great in Duluth and there is even the golf tournament on Sunday afternoon for those interested.  The conference officially begins with the awards banquet on Sunday evening. 

Listen to the pod cast for more information.  To register, just call Jeanna at MASA (651-645-6272).

RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION SUMMIT A SUCCESS

750 people attended this conference in Rochester at the end of last week and many school districts brought whole teams.  RTI is an effort to help children be successful in school early and as a result fewer children will end up in Special Education programs.

NCLB RE-AUTHORIZATION.  SUPERINTENDENTS TESTIFY

The US Congress is trying to put the NCLB re-authorization on the fast track.  The proposed changes still look problematic to us (the bureaucratic over-site actually increases), but AASA is continuing to be a strong voice at the table.

Here in Minnesota, the MN Senate Education Policy Committee heard testimony on NCLB yesterday.  Testifying for MASA were MASA President Tom Westerhaus and Past=president Kathy Leedom.  They both did a great job.  Tom was quoted this morning on MPR radio in a follow-up story.

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

The committee assignment letters went out last week.  Over 180 of our members will serve on committees involving legislative action, federal advocacy, professional development, member services and the nominations of members to serve in leadership roles.

$'S FOR 2008-09....WHAT OUR AGENTS TELL US

Will there be any new money for schools for the 2008-09 school year besides the 1% allocated by the legislature?  Our agents are giving us mixed signals.  Some allude to the state having cash reserves.  Others indicate a slowing economy and the drain on resources caused by the bridge collapse. 

An important factor in regard to state revenues will be the amount of corporate profits lost by the constriction of truck travel because of the bridge collapse. We hope the signals will become clearer in the next 6 weeks or so. The need for school funding is very real and MASA will be working to convince government leaders that they cannot financially abandon school districts in the year ahead.

MASA FOUNDATION

The MASA Foundation has continued to provide grants to MASA members to help them enrich their professional development.  In addition, it was the Foundation that provided the seed money for the Great Start program for new members.

KINDERGARTEN SURVEY

230 of you responded to the recent Zoomerang Survey from MASA about changes you made to Kindergarten programs as a result of receiving a few new $'s from the legislature.

54% reported that you already provide all day/ every day Kindergarten.

As a result of the slight increase in funding, 12% of districts did expand the program.  Of these, 34 Districts reports that they switched to AD/ED Kindergarten.  7 reduced tuition fees.  6 partially expanded the eligibility to participate without a fee.