The Henton Headlines

The Henton Headlines: December 2, 2021

THE HENTON HEADLINES
December 2, 2021
Here’s the scoop for the week

Preparation for 2022 Legislative Session ramping up:

The education organizations and MDE have been engaged in a number of discussions on issues that we anticipate will be taken up by the 2022 Legislature. We are also exchanging information about important issues affecting school districts that we want the Legislature to address and will be the focus of our advocacy efforts. 

So now is the time to let us know your needs as legislative platforms are in process and MASA wants to reflect your values and help with the many issues confronting you every day.  Please don’t hesitate to send me and/or Valerie Dosland your thoughts. The MASA Legislative Committee meets on December 7 to draft the 2022 platform.

Here are some topics we have discussed and in no particular order:

• Compensatory Revenue
• Loss of funding due to low return rate on F/R priced lunch forms
• Other means of gathering this data that already exists in other forms
• The 2.45% addition to the basic formula this school year wiped out in many cases by the reduction in Compensatory Revenue
• Online Learning
• Might there be flexibility for all school districts offering a full online program without having to go through a state approval process?
• School Library Definition & Requirements
• Staffing shortages (all areas)
• Substitute license requirements
• ESSER applications for funds
• Lack of consistency from one state department to another
• Minutia required in some cases
• Proposed Page Constitutional Amendment
• Discipline
• Anticipated funding cliff
• And so much more….

Leadership Matters:

---

Detailed information may be found at
https://www.mnasa.org/whats-new.html and the MASA Calendar.

Nov. 29 - Dec. 6	Hanukkah (Chanukah)
Dec. 1-31	Due: MDE Facilities Age and Square Footage Report Test WES (pre-test Edit) MARSS WES (final fall data) - date determined each year
Dec. 2	Special Education Day
Dec. 3	Early Childhood Education Outcomes (typically Dec. 1 but Dec. 3 for 2021) International Day of People with Disabilities
Dec. 7	MASA Legislative Committee Meeting | 10 am - 2 pm MASA Offices | Lower Level Boardroom | RSVP
Dec. 11	Due: MDE Minnesota Common Course Catalogue (MCCC) (closes)
Dec. 15	Due: MDE Achievement Integration Progress Report World’s Best Workforce Summary Report
Dec. 15	MASA Great Start Cohort Session #5 | MASA Offices
Dec. 23-27	Holiday - MASA Offices Closed
Dec. 28	DUE: MDE The Levy Certification System
Dec. 31	DUE: MDE Compulsory Instruction Compliance Data Reporting
Dec. 31	Holiday - MASA/MASE Office Closed
Jan. 1	First Day of National Mentoring Month
Jan. 9	School Resource Officers Day
Jan. 9-14	National School Librarians/Library Week
Jan. 21-22	MN Aspiring Superintendents’ Academy

The Henton Headlines: November 18, 2021

THE HENTON HEADLINES
November 18, 2021
Here’s the scoop for the week

Congratulations MASE colleagues John Klaber and Cheryl Johnson!

The Council of Administrators of Special Education, (CASE), recently recognized MASE Executive Director John Klaber for the Harrie M. Selznick Distinguished Service Award which is a recognition of John’s longtime service in the area of special education. Well-deserved John!

CASE also recognized Cheryl Johnson, Executive Director of the Goodhue County Education District as its Outstanding Special Education Administrator. Well-deserved Cherie!

Are you working/living in area codes 952 or 218?

A new rule adopted by the FCC requires all callers in these two MN area codes to use 10 digit calling. Why is this important? One district discovered this week that when its alarm went off during the night, emergency responders were not notified because the area code was not included in the system making that call. If you are in these calling areas you are advised to review all numbers you have linked to your school district to ensure the area code is included. Even if you are not in these area codes, you may want to consider whether or not you have 10 digit dialing in place for all your systems linked to emergency responders. 

Important reminders:

• If your contract expires June 30, 2022, you should be in discussion now, or very soon, with your school board regarding renewal.
• Professional licenses have expiration dates. Check yours to ensure you know when you must go through the renewal process to ensure it does not lapse.

Board of School Administrators, BOSA, announcements:

Executive Director Anthony (Tony) Kinkel has announced that he will be leaving his position in the months ahead. Congratulations to Tony who will be leading at the college level in Florida! If you are interested in the role of executive director, please do not hesitate to contact Tony for more information: Anthony.kinkel@state.mn.us 

Superintendents are represented by one position on BOSA which is the body responsible for licensing school administrators. There is an opening that is currently being filled very well by Superintendent Christine Tucci Osario. She has completed the term I vacated when I assumed the role of MASA Executive Director. The position is now open for a four year appointment by Governor Walz. Application information is available here: Minnesota Secretary of State’s website.

Leadership Matters:

“Great leaders do not draw attention to themselves. They always want credit to go to those they lead. Always.” - Todd Whitaker

As retired Jerry Ness who supplies our leadership quote weekly says, “Make it a week to notice and appreciate the talents of others. Find the good stuff!”

P.S.

The Henton Headlines will not be published Thanksgiving week and will return the week of November 29.

---

Detailed information may be found at
https://www.mnasa.org/whats-new.html and the MASA Calendar.

Nov. 19	Substitute Educators Day
Nov. 19-20	MN Aspiring Superintendents Academy
Nov. 20	Due: MDE Staff Automated Reporting (STAR)
Nov. 22	MASA Federal Advocacy Committee Meeting | 10-11:15 am Virtual Meeting
Nov. 25	Thanksgiving (MASA Offices Closed Nov. 25-26)
Nov. 29 - Dec. 6	Hanukkah (Chanukah)
Nov. 30	Due: MDE Comparability Report  Fiscal Compliance Table Neglected and Delinquent Child Uniform Financial Accounting and  Reporting (UFARS) EDRS Special Education Expenditures Early Childhood Special Education Outcomes - date determined each year
Dec. 1	Due: MDE Achievement Integration Actual Expenditures Report
Dec. 1-31	Due: MDE Facilities Age and Square Footage Report Test WES (pre-test Edit) MARSS WES (final fall data) - date determined each year
Dec. 2	Special Education Day
Dec. 3	Early Childhood Education Outcomes (typically Dec. 1 but Dec. 3 for 2021) International Day of People with Disabilities
Dec. 7	MASA Legislative Committee Meeting | 10 am - 2 pm MASA Offices | Lower Level Boardroom | RSVP
Dec. 11	Due: MDE Minnesota Common Course Catalogue (MCCC) (closes)
Dec. 15	Due: MDE Achievement Integration Progress Report World’s Best Workforce Summary Report
Dec. 15	MASA Great Start Cohort Session #5 | MASA Offices
Dec. 23-27	Holiday - MASA Offices Closed
Dec. 28	DUE: MDE The Levy Certification System
Dec. 31	DUE: MDE Compulsory Instruction Compliance Data Reporting
Dec. 31	Holiday - MASA/MASE Office Closed
Jan. 1	First Day of National Mentoring Month
Jan. 9	School Resource Officers Day
Jan. 9-14	National School Librarians/Library Week
Jan. 21-22	MN Aspiring Superintendents’ Academy

The Henton Headlines: October 28, 2021

THE HENTON HEADLINES
October 28, 2021
Here’s the scoop for the week

Fifty Years of Supporting Special Education: Congratulations MASE!

I had the pleasure of greeting attendees at the MASE conference that began on October 27.  What a great group of educators! Our colleagues at MASE are celebrating the organization’s 50 years of existence. Congratulations and here’s to many more years!

Might you join us at the Equity Symposium?

On Monday, November 8 from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm MASA is sponsoring a one-day in-person session intended to support leaders in their equity work.  Sebastian Witherspoon, Executive Director, Equity Alliance MN, and Katie Pekel, Principal in Residence, University of MN will facilitate the learning for this day. Please see the link in the main portion of this newsletter to register. A big thanks to the MASA Foundation for supporting our equity efforts!

Leadership Matters:

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you found it.” - Steve Jobs

---

Detailed information may be found at
https://www.mnasa.org/whats-new.html and the MASA Calendar.

Nov. 1	Due: MDE Intent to Become New Schoolwide Title I Program
Nov. 8	MASA Equity Symposium | 9 am - 2:30 pm | Register
Nov. 15	Due: MDE Assurance of Compliance
Nov. 17	AMSD Fall Conference
Nov. 18	MASA Finance Academy #2 | MASA Offices MASA Great Start Cohort Session #4 | MASA Offices
Nov. 19-20	MN Aspiring Superintendents Academy
Nov. 20	Due: MDE Staff Automated Reporting (STAR)
Nov. 22	MASA Federal Advocacy Committee Meeting | 10-11:15 am Virtual Meeting
Nov. 30	Due: MDE Comparability Report  Fiscal Compliance Table Neglected and Delinquent Child Uniform Financial Accounting and  Reporting (UFARS) EDRS Special Education Expenditures Early Childhood Special Education Outcomes - date determined each year
Dec. 1	Due: MDE Achievement Integration Actual Expenditures Report
Dec 3.	Early Childhood Education Outcomes (typically Dec. 1 but Dec. 3 for 2021)
Dec. 7	MASA Legislative Committee Meeting | 10 am - 2 pm MASA Offices | Lower Level Boardroom | RSVP
Dec. 11	Due: MDE Minnesota Common Course Catalogue (MCCC) (closes)
Dec. 15	Due: MDE Achievement Integration Progress Report World’s Best Workforce Summary Report
Dec. 1-31	Due: MDE Facilities Age and Square Footage Report Test WES (pre-test Edit) MARSS WES (final fall data) - date determined each year
Dec. 15	MASA Great Start Cohort Session #5 | MASA Offices

The Henton Headlines: October 21, 2021

THE HENTON HEADLINES
October 15, 2021
Here’s the scoop for the week

MN Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman announces format for the 2022 Legislative Session:

In a memo to House Members and Staff released today, Hortman wrote, “We had hoped for a normal return to session, but like private and public sector employers that have had to postpone plans for a return to in-person work, the House will continue remote and hybrid operations at least through the end of the 2022 regular session.” Later in the memo she stated, “This policy may change as health and safety conditions evolve.”

I am not aware of the Senate’s plans as of this writing. Will keep you apprised as more information is released.

This week we lost a Great American, a Great Leader, a Great Statesman:

Sadly we lost General Colin Powell this week. General Powell shared in his memoir, It Worked For Me: In Life and Leadership, his Thirteen Rules of Leadership you may find helpful:

1. It ain’t as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.
2. Get mad, then get over it.
3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.
4. It can be done!
5. Be careful what you choose.
6. Don’t let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
7. You can’t make someone else’s choices.
8. Check small things.
9. Share credit.
10. Remain calm. Be kind.
11. Have a vision. Be demanding.
12. Don’t take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
13. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier

Leadership Matters:

"If you don't like change, you're going to like irrelevance even less." - Shinseki

---

Detailed information may be found at
https://www.mnasa.org/whats-new.html and the MASA Calendar.

Oct. 27	MASA Finance Academy #1 | Virtual Join the Finance Academy Here. MASA Great Start Cohort Session #3 | Virtual Join the Cohort Group Here
Nov. 1	Due: MDE Intent to Become New Schoolwide Title I Program
Nov. 15	Due: MDE Assurance of Compliance
Nov. 17	AMSD Fall Conference
Nov. 18	MASA Finance Academy #2 | MASA Offices MASA Great Start Cohort Session #4 | MASA Offices
Nov. 19-20	MN Aspiring Superintendents Academy
Nov. 20	Due: MDE Staff Automated Reporting (STAR)
Nov. 22	MASA Federal Advocacy Committee Meeting | 10-11:15 am Virtual Meeting
Nov. 30	Due: MDE Comparability Report  Fiscal Compliance Table Neglected and Delinquent Child Uniform Financial Accounting and  Reporting (UFARS) EDRS Special Education Expenditures Early Childhood Special Education Outcomes - date determined each year
Dec. 1	Due: MDE Achievement Integration Actual Expenditures Report
Dec 3.	Early Childhood Education Outcomes (typically Dec. 1 but Dec. 3 for 2021)
Dec. 7	MASA Legislative Committee Meeting | 10 am - 2 pm MASA Offices | Lower Level Boardroom | RSVP
Dec. 11	Due: MDE Minnesota Common Course Catalogue (MCCC) (closes)
Dec. 15	Due: MDE Achievement Integration Progress Report World’s Best Workforce Summary Report
Dec. 1-31	Due: MDE Facilities Age and Square Footage Report Test WES (pre-test Edit) MARSS WES (final fall data) - date determined each year
Dec. 15	MASA Great Start Cohort Session #5 | MASA Offices

The Henton Headlines: October 14, 2021

THE HENTON HEADLINES
October 15, 2021
Here’s the scoop for the week

Forest Lake Superintendent Steve Massey shares an article he authored on equity:

In providing the article, "A Real Look at Educational Equity," Steve wrote for the Forest Lake Times, he stated that, "I wrote this piece in order to bring clarity to what educational equity looks like for Forest Lake Area Schools and to work against equity being misinterpreted and redefined.”

I encourage you to read how he shared his ideas on equity with someone who did not believe in the concept of equity. Well done, Steve!

Olmsted County Equity Challenge:

The United Way of Olmsted County is pushing out short and easy-to-digest/use resources tied to equity in their 21 Day Equity Challenge. You can sign up to get each day’s resources or access them as they are posted on their website. 

To sign up for the challenge or to learn more click this link: https://www.uwolmsted.org/21-day-equity-challenge

Leadership Matters:

“Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.” - Franklin D. Roosevelt

---

Detailed information may be found at
https://www.mnasa.org/whats-new.html and the MASA Calendar.

Oct. 15	Due: MDE
	Athletics Data Reporting Career and Technical Education (CTE) Levy (actual) Quarterly Seclusion Report
Oct. 27	MASA Finance Academy #1 | Virtual Join the Finance Academy Here. MASA Great Start Cohort Session #3 | Virtual Join the Cohort Group Here
Nov. 1	Due: MDE Intent to Become New Schoolwide Title I Program
Nov. 15	Due: MDE Assurance of Compliance
Nov. 17	AMSD Fall Conference
Nov. 18	MASA Finance Academy #2 | MASA Offices MASA Great Start Cohort Session #4 | MASA Offices
Nov. 19-20	MN Aspiring Superintendents Academy
Nov. 20	Due: MDE Staff Automated Reporting (STAR)
Nov. 22	MASA Federal Advocacy Committee Meeting | 10-11:15 am Virtual Meeting
Nov. 30	Due: MDE Comparability Report  Fiscal Compliance Table Neglected and Delinquent Child Uniform Financial Accounting and  Reporting (UFARS) EDRS Special Education Expenditures Early Childhood Special Education Outcomes - date determined each year
Dec. 1	Due: MDE Achievement Integration Actual Expenditures Report
Dec 3.	Early Childhood Education Outcomes (typically Dec. 1 but Dec. 3 for 2021)
Dec. 7	MASA Legislative Committee Meeting | 10 am - 2 pm MASA Offices | Lower Level Boardroom | RSVP
Dec. 11	Due: MDE Minnesota Common Course Catalogue (MCCC) (closes)
Dec. 15	Due: MDE Achievement Integration Progress Report World’s Best Workforce Summary Report
Dec. 1-31	Due: MDE Facilities Age and Square Footage Report Test WES (pre-test Edit) MARSS WES (final fall data) - date determined each year
Dec. 15	MASA Great Start Cohort Session #5 | MASA Offices

The Henton Headlines: October 7, 2021

THE HENTON HEADLINES
October 7, 2021
Here’s the scoop for the week

Leading with this, because your Leadership Matters:

“Dignity and decency are on the line in our public square. See yourself as someone who can combat the rage, division, and fear. With your energy, we can shift the tide. With our words, our deeds, and our voices, be a light. Our country and our world needs you. Let’s go.” - Maria Shriver

Justice Department announces new effort to combat threats against school staff and school leaders:

In response to the growing number of threats to school officials, Attorney General Merrick Garland has ordered the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Offices to meet within 30 days to develop strategies to address this disturbing trend. See more here: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-addresses-violent-threats-against-school-officials-and-teachers. The last paragraph also contains a link to report threats in our nation’s public schools

SNL captures recent school board meetings all in one sketch!

If you haven’t yet watched this, it aired on Saturday night or later on social media, here you go!

School Board Meeting - SNL

*Alert: Latest TikTok dangerous and inappropriate school challenges:

Many school districts across the nation, and in Minnesota, experienced theft and vandalism particularly in bathrooms during the month of September when the TikTok challenge, “Devious Licks” encouraged students to damage school property, or steal from schools. Here is the latest list of TikTok challenges and unfortunately a neighboring state reportedly had two staff members hit last week by students.

• October: Smack a staff member on the backside.
• November: Kiss your friend’s girlfriend at school.
• December: Deck the halls and show your b****.
• January: Jab a breast.
• February: Mess up school signs.
• March: Make a mess in the courtyard or cafeteria.
• April: Grab some “eggs” (another theft challenge).
• May: Ditch Day.
• June: Flip off the front office.

USDA waiver:

On September 15, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a waiver on fiscal action requirements in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP) where there is a supply chain disruption due to COVID–19.

Until June 30, 2022, providers will not be penalized for missing food components, missing production records or repeated violations involving milk type and vegetable subgroups. When determining whether this waiver is applicable during an administrative review, state agencies will consider all of the information school food authorities have available that illustrates that a COVID-19 supply chain disruption occurred. (Taken from Association of School Execs, ASE, notes September 29, 2021)

The Henton Headlines: September 30, 2021

THE HENTON HEADLINES
September 30, 2021
Here’s the scoop for the week

We learned, we laughed, we sang, and we planned! 

What a great Fall Conference in Duluth!  A huge thank you to the MASA staff for their dedication to the event, and to the MASA Board of Directors who were engaged and provided future direction for MASA. We are grateful for the roughly 200 in attendance along with our business partners and VIPs from the other education organizations.  

Finally, thank you Owatanna Superintendent Jeff Elstad and Duluth Superintendent John Magas for bringing choir members from the Duluth Public Schools who joined Jeff and led us in the opening song, “God Bless America.” It was truly a special moment.  I feel a tradition of sorts forming…

Staffing shortages reach crisis levels:

I have traveled quite a bit in the past two weeks and superintendents from the metro to greater MN have shared that the shortage of special education directors, teachers, paraprofessionals, custodians, substitute teachers, SLPs, school psychologists, special education teachers, bus drivers, nutrition services staff, and other people to work in our schools is at the “crisis” level. According to the state demographer this will be a protracted problem for at least the next decade.  

Let’s make it known to our elected officials and those at the state agencies that now is the time to act and to put in place a plan to bring much needed workers into our school systems. 

Leadership Matters:

“Trust doesn't develop from always doing the right thing. Trust comes from taking responsibility when we do the wrong thing.” - Simon Sinek

The Henton Headlines: September 23, 2021

THE HENTON HEADLINES
September 23, 2021
Here’s the scoop for the week

MASA Fall Conference in Duluth, September 26-28!

The MASA staff have been hard at work planning a great conference for members who are able to attend! There are many informative breakout sessions and general sessions planned. You can still register. Find information at https://www.mnasa.org/fall-conference.html.

The Dale G. Jensen Classic Golf Tournament is on Sunday afternoon at the Nemadji Golf Course in Superior, Wisconsin. Thanks to all who have registered to play and support the mission of the MASA Foundation.

Ahead of the conference the MASA Board of Directors will meet and make decisions around a new continuous improvement plan with updated belief statements, the repairs needed to maintain the MASA building, my professional development goals for 2021-2022, and more. Information will follow.

Joint Statement on Equity signatories develop new Op-Ed customizable for your needs:

Soon there will be an Op-Ed released by the consortium of education organizations that released the Joint Statement on Equity. The piece will go to the media outlets that are joined together and willing to publish the same Op-Ed. This includes the papers in Fargo, many towns/cities in greater MN and the St. Paul Pioneer Press. If you would like the Op-Ed customized to your school district experience, there are communication staff on stand-by ready to adjust it to meet your needs/expectations. Look for the Op-Ed to be shared in the upcoming days. Until then, feel free to use the Joint Equity Statement I shared with you on September 13 and linked here with your constituents.

Also important to note is this statement by AASA/NSBA on the threatening situations many school districts are experiencing at board meetings and other school-sponsored events. It is worth the read and to note the support of the national organizations.

Want to have an impact at PELSB?

Here’s your chance! PELSB has established an Assessment and Accountability Work Group. Here is an application to be one of the eleven external stakeholders on the Work Group. Please consider applying.

Leadership Matters:

“You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us. And the world will live as one.” - John Lennon

The Henton Headlines: September 16, 2021

THE HENTON HEADLINES
September 16, 2021
Here’s the scoop for the week

School district runs for declining pupil aid not available until mid-October:

MDE has shared that the new declining pupil aid will be provided to school districts in two payouts. The first will likely be in mid-October and the second in January. The funding will improve from 28% to 48.5% for fiscal year 2021. This means the declining enrollment allowance will increase by $1,346.24 per declining pupil, from $1,838.76 to $3,185.00. This is good news! Look for more information to come in October. 

When will we know if teachers need to be vaccinated or submit to weekly testing?

Looks like once again, October is the month for this information to be released. An article by AASA sheds more light on the Biden administration’s vaccine mandate and the implications for MN which is one of the 26 states with an OSHA plan. This report provides even greater detail on OSHA’s jurisdiction over public schools.

Leadership Matters:

“It is not fair to ask of others what you are not willing to do yourself.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

 

The Henton Headlines: September 9, 2021

THE HENTON HEADLINES
September 9, 2021
Here’s the scoop for the week

September 11, 2021: Twenty years later and we will…

On Saturday, as we mark the passing of 20 years, let us be reminded of the nearly 3000 people who lost their lives as a result of the attacks on the Twin Towers, the resiliency of our nation, and the “unbreakable spirit of New York” as depicted in the annual Tribute in Light.

A space for you to have conversations around equity and educational equity:

Watch for more information to come about an opportunity to attend a virtual meeting with Mr. Sebastian Witherspoon of Equity Alliance and Dr. Katie Pekel of the University of Minnesota around your equity efforts. The meetings will be free to members, held twice monthly in order to provide flexible scheduling and are referred to as “Educational Equity Power Hour Discussions.” The first Power Hour session will be held on September 14 from 8-9 am, and the second on September 22, from 1-2 pm. Registration information will be coming soon!

Leadership Matters:

“Leadership is based on a spiritual quality; the power to inspire, the power to inspire others to follow.” - Vince Lombardi