The Henton Headlines

The Henton Headlines: August 31, 2023

THE HENTON HEADLINES
August 31, 2023
Here’s the scoop for the week

2023 School Resource Officer (SRO) Survey Results

Thanks to all of you for your quick response to the SRO survey conducted this week at the request of MDE. As you know, the survey was a collaborative effort between the Association of Metropolitan School Districts (AMSD) and MASA. 

The results have been shared with MDE and are available for you here. The names of the persons completing the survey were removed. I encourage you to look beyond the data at the top of the page and scan through the “other” column which also gives a good picture of what is happening with this issue statewide. 

Five school districts learned today that their SRO will no longer be on duty in the school district. That information is not contained in the survey results.

Leadership Matters!

JonGordon11 (@Jon Gordon) posted:

“Great leaders.....

-Small ego, big mission.

-We before me.

-A lot of love and accountability.

-A lot of grace and truth.

-Demanding but not demeaning.

-Loving but not enabling.

-Shout praise. Whisper criticism.

-High standards, low tolerance for excuses.” 

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

September 13	GOTV Workshop | 10:30 am | Virtual | Info and Registration
September 15	Don't Miss Out! MASA Fall Conference Early Registration Deadline! | Registration
September 18	Lead and Let Go Cohort Kick-Off! | Virtual Sessions | Register!
September 19	BIPOC Affinity Group | 7:30 - 8:30 am | Register here!
September 19	MASA Annual Meeting | 9 am | Virtual Meeting | Register here!
September 20	Women's Leadership Network | 8-9 am | Register here!
September 27	Leading with Excellence & Equity Series Kick-Off | Register here!
October 8	Dale G. Jensen Golf Tournament | 12 pm | Nemadji GC, Superior, WI | Register!
October 8	Great Start Cohort Session 2 | DECC, Duluth, MN | Still time to join!
October 8-10	MASA Fall Conference | DECC, Duluth, MN | Registration
October 17	BIPOC Affinity Group | 7:30 - 8:30 am | Register here!
November 1	Finance Academy | Session 1 | Quora Education Center, Little Canada | Register!
November 15	Finance Academy | Session 2 | Quora Education Center, Little Canada | Register!
November 15	Women's Leadership Network | 8-9 am | Register here!
November 21	BIPOC Affinity Group | 7:30 - 8:30 am | Register here!
December 4	Save the Date! MASA/MASSP/MESPA/MSBA Symposium | Waite Park
December 6	Finance Academy | Session 3 | Quora Education Center, Little Canada | Register!
December 19	BIPOC Affinity Group | 7:30 - 8:30 am | Register here!
December 20	Women's Leadership Network | 8-9 am | Register here!
January 16, 204	BIPOC Affinity Group | 7:30 - 8:30 am | Register here!
January 17, 2024	Women's Leadership Network | 8-9 am | Register here!
February 15-17, 2024	AASA National Conference on Education | Registration and more info!
February 20, 2024	BIPOC Affinity Group | 7:30 - 8:30 am | Register here!
March 6, 2024	Women's Leadership Network | 8-9 am | Register here!
NEW DATES! March 14-15, 2024	MASA/MASE Spring Conference | Minneapolis Marriott NW, Brooklyn Park
March 18, 2024	Save the Date! MASA/MSBA Day at the Capitol
March 19, 2024	BIPOC Affinity Group | 7:30 - 8:30 am | Register here!
April 3, 2024	Women's Leadership Network | 8-9 am | Register here!
April 16, 2024	BIPOC Affinity Group | 7:30 - 8:30 am | Register here!
May 21, 2024	BIPOC Affinity Group | 7:30 - 8:30 am | Register here!
May 29, 2024	Women's Leadership Network | 8-9 am | Register here!
June 11, 2024	BIPOC Affinity Group | 7:30 - 8:30 am | Register here!

The Henton Headlines: August 24, 2023

THE HENTON HEADLINES
August 24, 2023
Here’s the scoop for the week

New Physical Holds Law, Attorney General Opinion & August 23 Response to both from the MN Chiefs of Police Association (MCPA)

During the past two weeks a number of our school district leaders have been in conversation with their local law enforcement agencies regarding the new physical restraint law. There have been questions raised about what police officers and SROs can/cannot do with regard to physical holds and when those might be applied. 

In this same time frame, a letter was widely distributed from the MCPA questioning the liability for officers under the new law. Some police agencies informed school districts they will no longer provide SRO service. Still others are wavering about whether or not to continue SRO service, or to provide service only when called. 

The Commissioner of Education, Willie Jett, heard these discussions, sought and received an opinion from the Attorney General. Here is the opinion MDE and the Attorney General shared with school leaders during the evening of August 22. 

The following day, August 23, more police agencies informed school districts they would not provide SROs and later that evening, the MCPA posted on X this message and press release.

Throughout this time the executive directors of AMSD, MSBA and myself representing MASA have been in frequent contact with Deputy Commissioner Stephanie Graff and others.

Please be apprised that while we are hearing mostly from metro area school district leaders, we know of at least four school districts in central MN who have been told they are losing their SROs. If you are facing a similar situation, please contact me so I can share your situation with MDE and others.

We will continue to follow any new developments, stay informed and advocate on behalf of all of our school districts facing a change or loss in police service. 

Article of Interest

MASA member, former superintendent and widely read author Dr. Don Lifto offers this article on actions to take after a successful or failed bond election. If you haven’t registered for Dr. Lifto’s GOTV workshop yet, I encourage you to do so. Full information can be found here: www.mnasa.org/gotv-workshop. 

Leadership Matters!

“Everyone carries a bucket of water and a bucket of gas in life. A leader has learned to throw the right one at the right time.”- Orrin Woodward

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

September 13	GOTV Workshop | 10:30 am | Virtual | Info and Registration
September 18	Lead and Let Go Cohort Kick-Off! | Virtual Sessions | Register!
September 19	MASA Annual Meeting | 9 am | Virtual Meeting | Register here!
September 27	Leading with Excellence & Equity Series Kick-Off | Register here!
October 8	Dale G. Jensen Golf Tournament | 12 pm | Nemadji GC, Superior, WI | Register!
October 8	Great Start Cohort Session 2 | DECC, Duluth, MN | Still time to join!
October 8-10	MASA Fall Conference | DECC, Duluth, MN | Registration
November 1	Finance Academy | Session 1 | Quora Education Center, Little Canada | Register!
November 15	Finance Academy | Session 2 | Quora Education Center, Little Canada | Register!
December 4	Save the Date! MASA/MASSP/MESPA/MSBA Symposium | Waite Park
December 6	Finance Academy | Session 3 | Quora Education Center, Little Canada | Register!
February 15-17, 2024	AASA National Conference on Education | Registration and more info!
NEW DATES! March 14-15, 2024	MASA/MASE Spring Conference | Minneapolis Marriott NW, Brooklyn Park
March 18, 2024	Save the Date! MASA/MSBA Day at the Capitol

The Henton Headlines: August 17, 2023

THE HENTON HEADLINES
August 17, 2023
Here’s the scoop for the week

Two MDE Memos of Note!

1. There has been recent discussion around the new legislation regarding prone restraint and what that might mean for school staff and SROs in certain situations. MDE sent an email on August 15 to superintendents that provided information about when reasonable force may be used. You may find this helpful in discussions with your staff, families, communities, and local police agencies.
   
2. The corrective action plan for tiered licensure and special education teachers created by MDE and submitted to the federal Office of Special Education Programs (O.S.E.P.) was approved. Here is a link to that information.

2023-2024 Professional Assistance Team (P.A.T.) Members Identified

Given how challenging your jobs can be, MASA wants to provide you with access to professionals who have a great deal of experience in education. We are grateful to the MASA Foundation for supporting this effort. Should you desire a conversation with one of the individuals below, please feel free to contact them directly. Your conversations with them will be confidential unless for some reason your situation may require legal assistance and in that case you would be referred to me as the Executive Director. A huge shout-out to each of them for making themselves available to you!

Theresa Battle
Superintendent
Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District
Cell: 612-490-7177
Office: 952-707-2005
[email protected]

Dr. Theresa Battle, superintendent of Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191. Previously, Dr. Battle worked for St. Paul Public Schools for 28 years over two tenures. She served the district in many capacities, including as a classroom teacher, special education facilitator, lead teacher, assistant principal, assistant director for curriculum, development and instruction, principal and assistant superintendent. Additionally, Dr. Battle has worked for Osseo Area Schools, Minneapolis Public Schools and University of Minnesota, where she developed a statewide college readiness program, Ramp Up to Readiness. 

Reggie Engebritson
Superintendent
St. Louis County & Mountain Iron-Buhl Schools
Cell: 218-780-4689
Office: 218-749-8130
[email protected]

Reggie Engebritson is currently a shared superintendent for the St. Louis County School District and the Mountain Iron-Buhl School District in northeastern MN on "da Range." She has been a superintendent since January 2018. Prior to the superintendency, Reggie was the Executive Director/Special Education Director for the Northland Special Ed Co-op which served 10 districts in NE MN.

Dave Fjeldheim
Retired Superintendent
Sebeka Public School
Phone: 218-639-6979
[email protected]

Dave Fjeldheim has completed over 40 years in public education. He served as a teacher, 7-12 Principal/Athletic Director, 9-12 Principal, K-12 Principal, and completed his final 17 years as the Superintendent of Sebeka School. Dave has held numerous region leadership roles and continues to serve on the Board of Directors for Astera Health Care and Community First Bank.

Joe Gothard
Superintendent
Saint Paul Public Schools
Cell: 651-587-2895
Office: 651-767-8152
[email protected]

Joe has nearly 30 years of experience in education. He was a teacher, coach, assistant principal, middle school principal, high school principal and assistant superintendent in his hometown Madison (WI) Metropolitan School District prior to moving to Minnesota. Joe was named the superintendent of the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage Schools in 2013 and served for four years. Joe is entering his fourth year as the superintendent of Saint Paul Public Schools. 

Jeffrey Holm
Superintendent
Willmar Public Schools
Cell: 320-979-7764
Office: 320-231-8510
[email protected]

Dr. Jeff Holm has been the superintendent of Willmar Public Schools since 2015. Jeff has 38 years of public school experience. He has been a teacher, a principal, an assistant superintendent, and a superintendent. Jeff completed the AASA National Superintendent Certification Program and is a passionate advocate for public education.

Leadership Matters!

“You can’t lead if you don’t take care of yourself first. Recharge. Renew. Reflect.” - @LollyDaskal

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

August 21	Deadline: Call for Proposals | MASA Fall Conference
August 23	Business Partner Focus Group | 10 - 11 am | Virtual | RSVP!
September 13	GOTV Workshop | 10:30 am | Virtual | Info and Registration
September 18	Lead and Let Go Cohort Kick-Off! | Virtual Sessions | Register!
September 19	MASA Annual Meeting | 9 am | Virtual Meeting | Register here!
September 27	Leading with Excellence & Equity Series Kick-Off | Register here!
October 8	Dale G. Jensen Golf Tournament | 12 pm | Nemadji GC, Superior, WI | Register!
October 8	Great Start Cohort Session 2 | DECC, Duluth, MN | Still time to join!
October 8-10	MASA Fall Conference | DECC, Duluth, MN | Registration
November 1	Finance Academy | Session 1 | Quora Education Center, Little Canada | Register!
November 15	Finance Academy | Session 2 | Quora Education Center, Little Canada | Register!
December 4	Save the Date! MASA/MASSP/MESPA/MSBA Symposium | Waite Park
December 6	Finance Academy | Session 3 | Quora Education Center, Little Canada | Register!
February 15-17, 2024	AASA National Conference on Education | Registration and more info!
NEW DATES! March 14-15, 2024	MASA/MASE Spring Conference | Minneapolis Marriott NW, Brooklyn Park
March 18, 2024	Save the Date! MASA/MSBA Day at the Capitol

The Henton Headlines: August 10, 2023

THE HENTON HEADLINES
August 10, 2023
Here’s the scoop for the week

We want You to Share your Expertise with our Colleagues at the Fall Conference!

In Improving Schools from Within, author Roland Barth asserted that those closest to the work are best positioned to know what needs to be improved and how to do it. That reminds me of your expertise in school improvement and many other topics affecting our school districts. 

Please consider submitting a proposal to present at the MASA Fall Conference on October 9 or 10 in Duluth.

MDE “Landing Page” for Guidance with Implementing New Legislation

MDE released this information last week you may find useful: 

“MDE Guidance Available on 2023 Session Webpage

MDE has created a one-stop shop for the most up-to-date information on the implementation of the 2023 omnibus K-12 and early learning education bills. The 2023 session landing page serves as a central hub for communication, resources, training opportunities and guidance issued by the Department of Education related to the recently enacted legislation. Content will continue to be added as it is produced.”

Two Resources for New Laws

Scroll to education at the following links:

New Laws Effective July 1, 2023

New Laws Effective August 1, 2023

Save the Date!

The annual MASA meeting will be held virtually at 9 am on Tuesday, September 19. We hope you can join us. Register for the annual meeting here!

Leadership Matters!

“The test we must set for ourselves is not to march alone but to march in such a way that others will wish to join us” - Hubert Humphrey

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

August 21	Deadline: Call for Proposals | MASA Fall Conference
August 23	Business Partner Focus Group | 10 - 11 am | Virtual | RSVP!
September 18	Lead and Let Go Cohort Kick-Off! | Virtual Sessions | Register!
September 19	MASA Annual Meeting | 9 am | Virtual Meeting | Register here!
October 8	Great Start Cohort Session 2 | DECC, Duluth, MN | Still time to join!
October 8-10	MASA Fall Conference | DECC, Duluth, MN | Registration opens August 14!
November 1	Finance Academy | Session 1 | Quora Education Center, Little Canada | Register!
November 15	Finance Academy | Session 2 | Quora Education Center, Little Canada | Register!
December 4	Save the Date! MASA/MASSP/MESPA/MSBA Symposium | Waite Park
December 6	Finance Academy | Session 3 | Quora Education Center, Little Canada | Register!
February 15-17, 2024	AASA National Conference on Education | Registration and more info!
NEW DATES! March 14-15, 2024	MASA/MASE Spring Conference | Minneapolis Marriott NW, Brooklyn Park
March 18, 2024	Save the Date! MASA/MSBA Day at the Capitol

The Henton Headlines: August 3, 2023

THE HENTON HEADLINES
August 3, 2023
Here’s the scoop for the week

Is your contract expiring June 2024?

Some contracts have a provision that requires a superintendent to notify their school board by a certain date, often in the fall or early winter of the year prior to the expiration of the contract, if they wish to enter into negotiations for a subsequent contract. You may want to check your contract if you are not certain if this provision exists. If it does, do not ignore it!

As you negotiate another contract, consider any recent legislative changes that you may want to discuss with the school board for possible inclusion in your next contract. For example, Juneteenth is now a state holiday with no school in session. 

Clarification on which ESPs/Paraprofessionals must receive additional professional development prior to the start of school’

MDE has clarified that this training only applies to ESPs/Paraprofessionals who are associated with classroom and instructional work. This would not include food service staff or clerical/administrative assistants that may be referred to ESPs or Paraprofessionals in your school district.

Have you had a chance to complete the MASA Annual Member Survey?

Your feedback is very important to us and will be shared with the MASA Board of Directors. Please complete the survey here! Thank you for taking the time to share your insights with us!

Leadership Matters!

“Wrong is wrong, even if everybody is doing it.” - @LollyDaskal 

Hope to see you at the Back to School Conference on Tuesday, August 8!

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

August 4	Superintendent of the Year Deadline!
August 8	MDE Back to School Conference | Minneapolis Marriott NW, Brooklyn Park
August 10	Educator Resilience Cohort | Session 1 | Full information!
August 21	Deadline: Call for Proposals | MASA Fall Conference
August 23	Business Partner Focus Group | 10 - 11 am | Virtual | RSVP!
September 18	Lead and Let Go Cohort Kick-Off! | Virtual Sessions | Register!
October 8	Great Start Cohort Session 2 | DECC, Duluth, MN | Still time to join!
October 8-10	MASA Fall Conference | DECC, Duluth, MN
November 1	Finance Academy | Session 1 | Quora Education Center, Little Canada | Register!
November 15	Finance Academy | Session 2 | Quora Education Center, Little Canada | Register!
December 4	Save the Date! MASA/MASSP/MESPA/MSBA Symposium | Waite Park
December 6	Finance Academy | Session 3 | Quora Education Center, Little Canada | Register!
February 15-17, 2024	AASA National Conference on Education | Registration and more info!
NEW DATES! March 14-15, 2024	MASA/MASE Spring Conference | Minneapolis Marriott NW, Brooklyn Park
March 18, 2024	Save the Date! MASA/MSBA Day at the Capitol