The Henton Headlines

The Henton Headlines: May 26, 2021

THE HENTON HEADLINES
May 26, 2021
Here’s the scoop for the week...

Waiting for answers...

During separate May 24 conversations with House Education Finance Chair Davnie, Senate Education Chair Chamberlain, Commissioner Mueller, and MDE Government Relations Representative Unni, it appears we will not know anytime soon how much to expect in additional dollars on the basic formula and whether increases will be tied to inflation, what dollars might be directed to the special education cross-subsidy, loss of enrollment, sustaining VPK, increasing EL funding, increasing Teachers of Color, loss of compensatory funding, equalization, and much more, not to mention the policy issues around distance learning, student discipline, the World’s Best Workforce, the ability of school districts to renew existing operating levies with school board approval, and the list goes on and on.

The funding targets agreed upon by Governor Walz, Speaker Hortman and Majority Leader Gazelka do not provide much room for a typical formula increase and little else over the next biennium. 

We continue to advocate and remain in contact with those influencing the top three decision makers-Governor Walz, Speaker Hortman and Majority Leader Gazelka. We are grateful for you contacting these three directly and sharing your stories/needs.

Unfortunately, it appears we will continue to wait for answers…

Aspiring Superintendents’ Academy:

A very successful second session of the Academy was held in person at the Marriott Northwest last Friday and Saturday. There are 38 aspiring superintendents eager to learn more about the work of superintendents. They are supported by eight superintendent coaches who are assisting them during this important professional development series that consists of five two-day sessions held this spring and next fall. We are grateful for Mia Urick, MASA Director of Professional Learning, who does a phenomenal job of planning all of the sessions, and all of the coaches committed to ensuring we have a qualified pool of incoming superintendents!

Leadership Matters: 

"Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices." - Harry S. Truman

 

The Henton Headlines: May 20, 2020

THE HENTON HEADLINES
May 20, 2021
Here’s the scoop for the week…

Clarification on summer school funding:

The announcement from MDE on Tuesday, May 18, that $75 million of federal funds are now going to be allocated to schools for summer school has caused some confusion. This is additional money from the American Rescue Plan beyond the $4.00 per student per hour you have been told previously you will receive for students attending summer school. Here is a link for you to see the allocations that MDE sent on May 18.

This new round of funding can be used this summer, throughout the 2021-2022 school year and through summer 2022. You may use this funding during the school year according to the guidelines provided by MDE for its use. 

MASA/MSHSL Executive Officers May meeting synopsis:

• The MASA/MSHSL executive officers will meet quarterly during the 2021-2022 school year.
• SAVE THE DATE: MASA and MSBA will co-host a virtual meeting with MSHSL Executive Director Erich Martens on June 3 at 9:00 am. All MASA and MSBA members are invited to attend. Watch for an invitation to come from MSBA. The meeting will include a discussion on MSHSL programming and finance.
• MASA expressed gratitude for the increased MSHSL communication to the superintendent component group during this past year and looks forward to continued timely communication in the upcoming years.

Leadership Matters: 

"It's hard to beat a person who never gives up." - Babe Ruth

The Henton Headlines: May 13, 2021

THE HENTON HEADLINES
May 13, 2021
Here’s the scoop for the week…

To share with your families - Potential financial assistance for their internet service:

Beginning yesterday, May 12, low-income families will be eligible for a $50/mo reduction in their cost of broadband if they utilize a participating provider (Most MN providers are participating). 

You may wish to provide information about this to your families so feel free to pass this on to others in your district who might be able to reach the target audience. Note also that participation in the NSLP (Free/reduced-priced lunch) program is a qualifying indicator for the FCC EBB program (there are many other ways to qualify as well), so you may be able to encourage families to sign up for free/reduced lunch to be eligible for the program.

Consumers should visit www.getemergencybroadband.org or call the toll-free number 833-511-0311 specifically for information about the application.

Schools and organizations can visit the following websites for more information on how to promote this to your families.

• Organizations and individuals wanting to become partners in disseminating information can find complete the Become an Outreach Partner form at www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit.
• The EBB Outreach Toolkit is available at www.fcc.gov/emergency-broadband-benefit-outreach-toolkit. We also list the languages that materials are available in to provide information in-language materials to communities.
• Please continue to visit the EBB providers page at www.fcc.gov/emergency-broadband-benefit-providers to learn more about who has been approved to provide this benefit in your state. This list is updated frequently.
• Of interest may be the April 2021 edition of our Consumer Connections newsletter now available at www.fcc.gov/outreach. This newsletter contains consumer-friendly information about the EBB program.
• We are still accepting requests for EBB presentations. Please visit www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit to submit a request.

SitelogIQ free PD opportunities:

As a partner of K-12 districts across the U.S., SitelogIQ is focused on driving equitable outcomes for kids. Composed of superintendents and administrators, the team of education experts view challenges schools face through the lens of school leaders to facilitate dialogue and drive change. SitelogIQ works to help educators reach near and long-term district facility goals while focusing on the physical, functional, and educational needs of students and establish a new and better normal.

On June 14th, the SitelogIQ team will kick off a multi-part Webinar series to facilitate dialogue with school leaders around the country. In addition, leaders from Minnesota districts will be asked to showcase their innovative work. Topics will include:

Creating Equitable Learning Environments – what does it REALLY mean for the kids?
Community – how do you define yours?
Student Learning – what’s next?
School Board Dysfunction into Function
Athletics – politics and influence
Strategic Planning – needed now more than ever
Finance and Facilities – renovations and new construction

To receive the invitation to join Minnesota colleagues and participate in the Webinar series, send a note to [email protected] with your name and district. Visit sitelogiq.com or follow them on social media: LinkedIn, Twitter, or YouTube to learn more. 

Leadership Matters: 

The Henton Headlines: May 6, 2021

THE HENTON HEADLINES
May 6, 2021
Here’s the scoop for the week…

Board of School Administrators, BOSA, emailed your district staff who work with human resources:

Last week your district staff who pay the fees for administrators received an email reminding them fees are due for all administrators who worked in the 2020-2021 school year.  Remittance of fees has been simplified for your staff who can go to bosa.mn.gov and click on “Pay annual BOSA fee.”

Mother’s Day:

Wishing a heartfelt Happy Mother’s Day to all of our members who are moms! May your day be filled with fun, laughter, good food, and activities you enjoy!

In the words of Washington Irving...

"A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine, desert us when troubles thicken around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavour by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts."

Leadership Matters:

“The greatest use of life is to spend it on something that will outlast it.” - William James

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

May	Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May 3-7	National Teacher Appreciation Week
May 6	MASA Master Class (10 - 11 am)
May 6-12	National Nurses Appreciation Week
May 9	Mother's Day
May 11	“Take Five” Communication Workshop Series (Noon - 1 pm)
May 12	MASA Leaders of Color Affinity Group Meeting (9:30 - 10:30 am)
May 16	Observation of Shavuot begins
May 17	DUE: MDE Carl Perkins (submissions begin)
May 17	DUE: MDE Test WES (Post-test Edit) - late May to mid-June
May 17	DUE: MDE Renewal of school nutrition application - end of month
May 18	“Take Five” Communication Workshop Series (Noon - 1 pm)
May 19	“Take Five” Communication Workshop Series (Noon - 1 pm)
May 21-22	MN Aspiring Superintendents’ Academy
May 26	“Take Five” Communication Workshop Series (Noon - 1 pm)
May 27	“Take Five” Communication Workshop Series (Noon - 1 pm)
May 29	Memorial Day
June 1	DUE: MDE Title I Program Application
June 1	DUE: MDE Indian Education Letter of Intent
June 8	DUE: MDE Career and Technical Education Levy Revenue Budgets
June 15	DUE: MDE Student Support Data Collection
	Quarter 4 (April 1-June 30) due July 15