Voice of MN Education

MASA..."On the Road" w/ Charlie: Summer activity

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

The audio podcast above is 4 minutes long.

VACATION BIKE RIDE

Last week I went on my annual bicycle ride with my old friend Jim Klobuchar. This was my 17th year on this ride that covers 450-500 miles in a week. We began in Pelican Rapids and camped in Osakis, Brainerd, Walker, Bagley and Park Rapids. We were treated very well in every one of these wonderful communities.

This year's prize for 'super host' was Superintendent Gregg Allen of Osakis. He watched over us as a sharp little storm blew through the area and his locker room showers were the hottest (very desirable) that we have ever had.

SUMMER WORK INCLUDES MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL, HELPING NEW MEMBERS, PLANNING WORKSHOPS, AND PREPARATIONS FOR THE NEXT LEGISLATIVE SESSION

Summer is a bit slower for all of us. However the work at MASA does keeps moving along. Jeanna is renewing the memberships, Mia is working on the Fall Conferences, Stephanie is closing out this years 'books' and Mary is following up on the MASA Retreat and planning the 1st Great Start Workshop. Last week 22 members attended the Fresh Start Mid-Career seminar at MASA.

I have been helping a number of new members as they negotiate their initial contracts and begin to adjust to their new positions. In addition I have just begun a series of meetings with state level legislative leaders as they think about the 2009 legislative session and how it will affect K-12 education.

GEARING UP FOR THE FALL

Two days ago we had the summer solstice and as of June 22nd, the days once again begin to get shorter. If you haven't yet begun planning your administrative retreats for August and finalized plans for the 'Back to School" activities, it is now time to begin that work. July tends to slip away quickly and it is a good idea to have as many of the August activities planned as possible.

MASA... "At the Capiitol" w/ Charlie Successful Ending

The final report from MASA on the 2008 legislative session by Charlie Kyte, Executive Director

Click on the video below for a quick summary of the 2008 legislative session. The video is of Charlie Kyte on the Capitol steps the morning after the session ended.

There are audio and video versions of this report on the MASA Website (www.mnasa.org).  Just click on the word BLOG in the middle of the page and then click on the audio bar or on the video.  Each is about 6 1/2 minutes long.

HARD NEGOTIATION, BUT A SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION

The hours dragged by, but everyone stayed calm.  In the end the Legislature and the Governor came to an agreement that corrects the state's budget deficiency and still get a few dollars to schools.  We had a long weekend at the Capitol. I, along with a few other education lobbyists, were there late into Friday evening, from 8:30-AM Saturday to 5:50 AM on Sunday morning.  Our ace lobbyist Valerie Dosland was there again from noon to midnight on Sunday.  But the deal got done.

VALERIE'S SUMARY TO BE POSTED LATER TODAY

As soon as it is ready, we will post Valerie's summary of the legislative session.  It should come on-line by this afternoon (Monday)

MONEY FOR SCHOOLS

1% ($51/ pu) for one year and 1% ($51/pu) in transfer authority from Capitol Funds were approved.  Q-Comp excess funds are frozen for 1 year.  Beginning in 2009-2010 Districts will also begin receiving money from the School Trust Fund Lands.  In the 1st year, this will be about $30/pu.  This has the potential to grow over time.

NEW LEVY AUTHORITIES

There are 3 new levy possibilities for schools.  Each will affect only some districts.  The first is an increased lease levy authority (from $100 to $150).  The second is levy authority to pay back money for the federally funded LCTS programs where counties and districts had an unfavorable audit.  This money can be paid back over 3 years and schools can use their judgement levy authority.  This effects the school districts in 13 counties.  Finally schools can now bond for post-retirement obligations and then levy over future years to pay off the bond.  This is a complicated authority and Districts will want to study this carefully before using it.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

Schools will be able to use private security firms to do the BCA background checks on new employees if you prefer to do that.  In addition, schools will need to do background checks on all coaches (paid and volunteer) in the future.

STATEWIDE HEALTH INSURANCE

The legislature passed a statewide educator's health insurance Bill. The Governor's has just vetoed this Bill. MASA had strongly recommended a veto. PENSION BILL SHOULD BE SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR The Pension Bill contains several improvements and also calls for a study to improve the retirement benefits of post 1989 TRA members. There is a reasonable hope that the post 1989 issue will be resolved next year.

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION HAS BUDGET CUT BACK

All state agencies, including the Department of Education received a 4% reduction in funding. The MDE is already understaffed and this cut back will be challenging for them. As an added comment, Commissioner Seagren worked hard all weekend to help secure a decent outcome for schools.

THANK YOU'S AND NEXT YEAR

It is time to thank legislators. Please take the time to write a note to your local legislators. In a difficult budget year, they kept working until an agreement was reached. Even a small amount of additional money for schools should be acknowledged when many other areas of government were taking cut backs. Also, if you came to the Capitol during the session and met with leaders, be sure to drop them a note of appreciation as well.

"On the Road w/ Charlie".... Friday quick update

This is a quick legislative update on the Friday prior to the end of the MN legislative session. By Charlie Kyte, Ex Director, MASA

The audio podcast is 7 1/2 minutes long. Just click the audio bar above.

BUDGET NEGOTIATIONS ONGOING

Talk, talk, talk.... maneuver, maneuver, maneuver!!! The state budget needs a near $1 billion downward adjustment. We will need to see if an agreement can be reached or if the Governor will need to simply begin the 'unallotment' process. At least the 2 sides are remaining calm and somewhat cordial. Reminds me of some of the contract negotiations I have been involved in over the years.

EDUCATION POLICY BILL

The Governor has vetoed this Bill. There is some talk in the Senate of bringing the less controversial portions back in a separate Bill, but we have indications that the House Education Leadership prefers not to do this. We will wait to see if anything actually happens here.

EDUCATION FINANCE BILL

This Bill provides $51 per pupil unit for one year and uses the excess Q-Comp money as part of the funding to do so. It is likely that the Governor will veto this Bill which he has to do by Saturday. The legislature could then either attempt an override, or they could put a compromise Bill together that provides a bit less funding and protects some of the Q-Comp money so that this program can continue to slowly expand.

We will need to wait and see how this issue is resolved.

STATEWIDE HEALTH INSURANCE

This Bill is on the way to the Governor. It requires that only 'fully insured' companies bid to provide the statewide insurance. This in turn will raise the cost substantially, but it does remove the objections of the MN Department of Commerce. MASA has sent a strong letter to the Governor recommending the 'veto' of this Bill. The Governor has 14 days in which to make a decision on this Bill and it can not be overridden anymore in this legislative session.

We are anticipating that the Governor will veto this Bill.

PENSION BILL

The provision improving pensions for post 1989 hires was removed from the BIll. This is actually a good thing as that provision would have been costly to school districts and would have caused a 'veto' of the Bill. Instead language was inserted to study this issue and that will set up a good possibility of this issue being fixed in 2009. There are some improvements in 403b limits and in retirement earnings limits. There is also the requirement that 403b vendors be a negotiable issue.

It is likely that the Pension Bill will be signed by the Governor.

BEAUTIFUL WEEKEND..... BUT NO SUN BURN FOR LOBBYISTS!

The legislature will meet right through the weekend. As long as there are education related issues 'in play', we will be at the Capitol. My garden won't get planted, but then again, I won't get sunburned.

MASA... "At the Capitol" w/ Charlie.... Final Manuevering

There are 10 days to go in the Minnesota State Legislative session. This is a report on how K-12 education is affected. By Charlie Kyte of MASA.

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

TUMULTUOUS PAUSE:

The BIG Finance Bill has now cleared the conference committee process, but is still being held while negotiations with the Governor go on. This is the Bill that cuts back on the state budget, but does contain a one-time $51 increase for K-12. The money for this increase comes from the excess Q-Comp money. While this move is opposed by the Governor, it is only one small part of a larger Bill.

It is unclear at this time if the legislature wil continue to compromise with the Governor or if they will send him a Bill he opposes. IF he opposes, he could veto the Bill and then the legislature may have a run at a 'veto override' if time permits. There is also a chance of a Special Session. I explain this more thoroughly on the audio pod cast.

Watch the accusations fly over the next few days. It will be good political theater.

DOLLAR'S, POLICY AND PENSIONS:

As I said above there is a possibility of $51 ppu on a one-time basis, but don't spend it yet.

The Governor will get the K-12 Policy Bill soon and may veto over controversial language about the revised school report cards.

STATEWIDE HEALTH INSURANCE:

Within the last 48 hours Education Minnesota began to push forward publicly on the Statewide Health Insurance Bill. They are looking for a committee that will put it into play. We believe they will succeed at this and the Bill will probably once again land on the Governors desk. It is likely to be vetoed.

ECFE VARIANCES:

This over site from last year has been corrected. Now schools can ask for variances for ECFE teachers in the same fashion as for other teaching staff.

REGIONAL MEETINGS SCHEDULED:

Charlie will be coming to a number of region meetings in the next few weeks. Included are:

St. Cloud........ May 13
Mankato........ May 21
Staples......... May 22
Chisholm....... May 28
Marshall........ June 4
Baudette....... June 5
Lakes Country. June 26

MASA... "At the Capitol" w/ Charlie.... Final negotiations

A report on the work of the Minnesota Legislature as it enters the final couple of weeks of the session. Written by Charlie Kyte, Executive Director, to the members of the Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA).

The podcast above is 7 minutes long.

LEGISLATIVE SESSION BEGINS TO 'WIND DOWN'

There are just over 2 weeks left in the session. The education bills are being finalized, but there is some question if they will be signed by the Governor. See below.

EDUCATION FINANCE BILL IS PART OF THE LARGER FINANCE BILL

K-12 Education is a part of the larger finance bill and the legislative leaders and the Governors staff are still negotiating a possible agreement. It is still too early to tell if an agreement will be reached or if a Bill, without the Governors approval, is sent to him by the legislature. If the later happens, it will be a 'dare' to the Governor to veto the whole Bill and then have him use the un-allotment process at a later time.

A governor cannot veto budget cuts, so line item vetoes aren't likely in this particular case. This finance bill is about cut backs, not increases.

EDUCATION POLICY BILL PASSED BOTH HOUSES AND IS READY FOR CONFERENCING

We may see the conference committee beginning it's work this evening. Not only do the Senate and House need to come together, but they also need to work with the MDE/ Governors staff on several controversial items. One of these is the new language on school report cards. The MDE especially objects to the language in the House version of the Bill on the report cards.

HOUSE EDUCATION POLICY BILL AMENDMENTS

The House passed their version of the K-12 Policy Bill on Monday night and there were several interesting amendments added. ONe gives all Charter School students access to all sports and activity programs in the traditional public schools. Another requires comprehensive sex education fro 7-12 grade students. Another ends Minnesota's participation in NCLB. One other removes a school districts ability to non-renew a probationary teacher if the required evaluations are not completed.

Of course these and other differences in the House and Senate Bills must be reconciled. Either both the Senate and House conferees agree, or the language is not included in the final Bills.

PENSION BILL.... MAY BE LAST BILL CONSIDERED

This may be the last Bill passed in this session and would probably be signed by the Governor if no significant changes are made to it on the trip thru the legislative bodies on the way to the Governor's office. We will be watching this BIll closely in the next 2 weeks. there is more about the pension bill on the audio pod cast.

MASA... "At the Capitol" w/Charlie: Washington, DC

MASA Members traveled to Washington, DC last week. This is a report on the Federal Advocacy front. By Charlie Kyte, Executive Director.

The podcast above is 8 1/2 minutes long.

TESTING IN MINNESOTA..... NO HELP FROM WASHINGTON

As we left for Washington, DC, Minnesota was just beginning the 'testing window' for many of our tests. From the e-mails I was receiving it was apparent that most of our schools were much more concentrated on testing than on instruction.

THE FEDERAL ADVOCACY GROUP

Our group that traveled to Washington this year included Dan Brooks--Sauk Centre, Gary Amoroso--Lakeville, Kevin Wellin--NRHEG, Craig Oftedahl--Warroad, Nan Records--Sherburn-Wright Coop, Jamie Skjeveland--Crosby-Ironton, Luther Heller-SW/WC Service Coop, Jim Hess-Bemidji. Mary Law from MASA served as staff support on the trip.

Over our 4 days we met with all of Minnesota's Congressmen, Senators Coleman and Klobuchar, many House and Senate Education Committee staff persons and also attended the AASA Federal Advocacy Conference. We learned a lot and also saw how difficult it is to have the folks in DC be cognizant about what is actually happening in our schools.

CONGRESSMAN TIM WALZ

A bright spot was a talk given by Minnesota's freshman congressman Tim Walz to the whole group of AASA Federal Advocacy Conference attendees. This happened on Thursday morning with about 150 of us in attendance. Congressman Walz is a teacher from Mankato and his wife Gwen is the Testing and Assessment Coordinator for that District. They understand the difficulty of applying NCLB at the local level. Many people in the room wished they had Congressman Walz representing their states. We were proud of him and his ability to communicate with educators.

MEETING WITH THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE STAFF.... NO FIX FOR NCLB

The staff of the federal education committees are far removed from education. They mean well, but in our conversations with them it quickly became apparent that any 'fix' to NCLB was just going to make it more complicated. What is needed is a strong dose of reality and simplicity. When the federal government finally gets around to the re-authorization of this law, they should just start over.

Going back to the old ESEA would be a good idea. The federal government could concentrate resources on the neediest schools and hold them accountable. For the rest of the schools, they would do us a favor by just leaving us, and our states, to our own improvement models.

MEDICAID CLAIMING

The federal government has written new rules to prohibit medicaid claiming for schools that are working with medically fragile children. This is a result of school sin several states taking unfair advantage of this provision.

A Bill is working it's way through congress to block this new rule for one year while a new set of rules is worked out that will still permit a reasonable level of medicaid claiming for transportation and administrative costs.

MASA... "At the Capitol" w/ Charlie.... not much happenning

A report on the status of the Minnesota Legislative process to the members of the MN Association of School Administrators (MASA) from Executive Director Charlie Kyte.

The audio podcast above is 8 3/4 minutes long.

5 WEEKS TO GO

I can't count the days fast enough. We are in sort of a pause right now as the Conference Committee tries to get a Super Omnibus Bill in shape to send to the Governor. It is super in that it combines all areas of government into one Bill. It isn't super in that it is a budget cutting, rather than a funding, Bill.

FINANCE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE COMPARES K-12 BILLS

Both the Senate and the House want to find funds to secure the School Trust Fund Lands, the earning from which now go to the DNR. This would be a good move and we hope they can find the $20 million required to get this done. These Lands have the potential to have significant earnings for K-1`2 education in the years ahead.

The House proposes a 1% increase ($51/pu) to the general fund on a one time basis and uses the excess Q-Comp money for one year to do this.

The Senate proposes a 2/3 of 1% permanent ($37/pu) to the general fund and uses the excess Q-Comp money for 3-5 years to do this.

In either case the Governor will probably veto this as it limits the continued expansion of the Q-Comp initiative.

VERY LITTLE EDUCATIONAL POLICY WILL PASS

Much of the policy language adopted by both the House and Senate Education Committees will simply be dropped or vetoed by the Governor. We will probably see new language on the school report cards. The Superintendent's Passage Rate Report will be repealed. IN it's place will be the new "Achievement Gap" Report that will make you wish to have the old passage rate report back.

PENSION COMMISSION

Language to allow the TRA post-fund and active funds to be combined was passed. This would only happen if the post-fund fell to being only 80% funded (right now it is about 85% funded).

Education Minnesota is pushing hard for the Rule of 90 for all post 1989 hires. This probably won't pass as they also need to come up with a method of paying for this improvement. I haven't seen any plan as yet to pay and if this is passed without a payment plan, the TRA system will quickly be in deep trouble. MASA has delivered a letter to the Pension Commission suggesting a 'middle ground' approach. We proposed a Rule of 90 at age 62. This reduces the age of retirement for many in this group, removes much of the bias against women (who miss a few years early in their careers to have children), and recognizes that people are living and working longer. It is also a much more affordable option.

The Pension Commission also adopted Bills to allow a higher limit for post-retirement earnings (up to $42,000) and the ability to prearrange a work relationship prior to actually retiring.

The matching limit for 403b's was raised from $2000 to $7750. Also passed was a requirement that selection of 403b vendors be subject to PELRA bargaining.

We have not yet seen the final Pension Commission Omnibus Pension Bill. ONce adopted it must be passed by both houses of the legislature and then signed by the governor

ON-LINE TESTING..... PLEASE LET US KNOW YOUR OPINIONS

Districts will shortly be opening the testing window for the on-line MCA Science Assessment tests. We know this is a big undertaking for both the MDE and for school districts. We recognize that computers needed to be upgraded and that your labs will be tied up for quite some time to do this.

We would like to know if you are seeing serious glitches in the process or frustrations greater than you might ordinarily expect. Just shoot me a quick e-mail so we here at MASA can get a statewide perspective of your reactions. If you would prefer ask your testing coordinator to communicate with me. My e-mail is ckyte@mnasa.org.

MASA... "At the Capitol" w/ Charlie.... Frustration!!!

A report to the members of MASA from Charlie Kyte, Executive Director.

If you want to listen to this somewhat ‘blistering’ audio version of this click the audio bar above. The audio podcast is 9 minutes long.

YOU AREN’T GOING TO BELIEVE THIS..... THEY ARE FIDDLING WHILE ROME IS BURNING

I’m writing this during the Senate Education Finance Committee meeting tonight (Thursday evening) and we just heard an amendment that prohibits a grade K-6 grade student from being denied recess as a form of discipline. The amendment passed on a 10-7 vote.

It is unbelievable to me that a committee can absolutely starve our schools and then usurp a districts local control even to the point of reaching into the decisions of classroom teachers to discipline a student. Get this.... if a kid is rough housing on the playground or hitting other kids, the teacher can’t deny the kid being in recess if this new law passes. Crazy!!

K-12 EDUCATION GETS A $0.00 TARGET, BUT EVERY OTHER AREA IS BEING CUT

Now I’m a bit worked up.... wow, the legislative targets are $0 for education in 2008-09. So what you read below is really just rearranging the dollars from one category to another. However, be aware that every other area of government is receiving a cut back from what they were promised for 2008-09. Of course many of those areas got more than the meager 1% that K-12 education received in the first place for next year.

HOUSE EDUCATION BILL

These are just the big picture items: 1% additional money ($51ppu) for 1 year only. Authority for districts to transfer up to 1% from the Capitol Outlay reserve to the general fund. Plus a number of new policy items.

SENATE EDUCATION BILL

Sets up a permanent funding stream from the School Trust Fund Lands ( plenty of minerals underneath) which will provide K-12 with about 2/3 of 1% next year and this amount will be permanent and grow a bit over time. Also just a few policy items.

IF TARGET IS ZERO, WHERE IS THE MONEY COMING FROM..... Q-COMP MOSTLY

There is about $22 million left unspent in the Q-Comp account. If no more districts are approved, this money could be used to fund the items above. The House uses the Q-Comp excess for 1 year. The Senate takes it permanently.

WHAT COMES NEXT

Once the Education Omnibus Bills work their way to the floors and pass, they come back to a Conference Committee to be reconciled. Once this is done, the Bills are re-passed by the House and Senate and sent to the Governor. He has the right to sign the Bill or veto it.

MASA... "At the Capitol"... Spring Break

A report from the Capitol on the status of the 2008 MN Legislative session to the members of MASA from Charlie Kyte, Executive Director.

The video recording and the audio podcast above are each about 6 minutes long. Each adds to the information printed below.

WE ARE IN A DANGEROUS FINANCIAL TIME

The international financial markets are in disarray and we are on the edge of a national ‘liquidity’ crisis. All this may mean a deep recession or worse. One result will be lower government tax revenues and as a result states will have a harder and harder time meeting their obligations to local units og Government. Looking forward, do not project any more money in your 2008-09 budget than is now promised and hope that those numbers will actually hold up.

Over the longer term we will need a new school funding formula, more adequacy in funding and it may take a lawsuit to get this ball rolling.

OMNIBUS EDUCATION BILLS

There are Omnibus Education Policy Bills in both houses of the legislature. Some of the articles relate to the following:

ACHIEVEMENT GAP REPORTS: Districts will be required to submit a plan/ report next fall on how they plan to close the achievement gap.

SCHOOL REPORT CARDS: The new language proposed is not acceptable to the MDE and it may be modified further. If not, this is a possible reason for a veto of the whole Education Bill

LABOR DAY START: No luck here. The resort industry and the State Fair Board are still blocking pre-labor day school starts even when Labor Day fall late on the calendar. Maybe we should propose legislation to move the State Fair to an earlier date.

READING CERTIFICATION FOR NEW TEACHERS: This language is controversial and requires all new teachers to take a test before licensure to show their competency to teach reading.

PRINCIPAL’S ACADEMY: There is a bit of money designated to fund the Principal Academies over the next year.

STATEWIDE HEALTH INSURANCE: This is a separate Bill that has a few changes from last years Bill. Although this issue will be contested, it will probably pass through the legislature and once again end up on the Governor’s desk. He will need to decide if it should be vetoed once again.

MDE SPECIAL EDUCATION RULES

The MDE Special Education division has continued to pass rules by both formal and informal means over the years. Between these new restrictive rules that push Sp Ed costs higher and the chronic shortage of Sp Ed revenues (including pro-rations) schools are at the breaking point. A Bill to completely curtail the MDE’s abiity to make new regs/ rules was strongly opposed by Commissioner Seagren. A compromise was worked out with a pledge from the MDE to withdraw much of the currently proposed rules, review all MDE pronouncements of the last 10 years that pushed up Sp Ed costs and for the Commissioner to create a new level of oversight over future regulatory memos. In return the language in the Bill was modified to make it acceptable to the MDE. We hope the agreement by MDE will hold so we don’t need to bring this issue back again next year.

VISIT LEGISLATORS AT HOME, AND KEEP COMING TO THE CAPITOL

Keep the needs of the public schools on the radar screens of the legislators. Do this over the next week when they are home and continue your visits to the Capitol.

MASA New/ Newer Member Update

This BLOG contains information and guidance to the first and second year members of the MN Association of school Administrators by Charlie Kyte, Executive Director.

The audio podcast is 10 minutes long and adds to the discussion on the topics below.

LATE WINTER BLUES

This time of the year is a typical 'low' point for staff and for administrators. Work to keep yourself up and your staffs as well. Great leaders know when and how to lift people.

GREAT START BEFORE SPRING CONFERENCE

There are Great Start and 2nd Year Cohort Group Workshops on Wednesday, April 2. These are provided at no cost, but you need to register. Later in the evening, Charlie will host a reception (about 8:30) in one of the suites near the pool. You are invited to come.

TIPS TO RECRUIT & HIRE TEACHERS

Most of you will be doing at least some hiring in the next 3 months. In many ways hiring teachers is one of a districts most important decisions. Here are a few tips from Mary Clements book "Recruiting & Hiring Effective Teachers"

"The single best predictor of a candidates future job performance is his/ her past job behavior"

"Interviews that probe past job behavior have been found to be more reliable than ones that focus on personality traits"

For more on this topic, listen to the audio podcast.

SUMMER PLANNING

It is time to plan your Board Retreat for June. Also think about a 'debrief' Administrative Retreat/ Meeting in June and already schedule a full day administrative planning retreat in early August. It is important to get your lead people all on the same goals.