This is a report to the members of the Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA) by Charlie Kyte, Executive Director.
The audio podcast is 8 minutes long. Just click the audio bar a couple of times.
'BOOKEND EVENTS' MARK AN INTERESTING WEEK:
My week began last Monday with a small meeting at the Governors mansion for breakfast. I, BIll Green of Minneapolis, Maria Carstarphen of St. Paul and Scott Croonquist of AMSD were the guests. Also attending was Commissioner Seagren and Laura Bordelon of the Governors office. Bob Meeks and Lee Warne were also invited, but had conflicts. I was expecting a short meeting, but we met and discussed education for over 2 hours.
The governor was interested in our perspectives on improving teacher training and on-line learning. We actually had a very good discussion and ranged over many topics. We didn't really talk about funding although the Governor heard that the schools are struggling. The prospects for the next biannium are not good based on the melt down we are seeing in our economy.
On Friday, I attended the opening of the Confucius Institute at the University of Minnesota. The day ended with a great dinner at Eastcliff, the home of the President of the University. Several Superintendents also attended the opening and several came to the dinner. John Sweet and Keith Kyskoski were at the opening. Patty Phillips, John Currie and Mark Robertson were at the dinner.
IMPORTANT WORK IN THIS WEEK TO COME:
On Monday and Tuesday, September 22 and 23, we will hold our MASA Federal Advocacy Committee and MASA Legislative Finance Committee meetings at the MASA World Headquarters Building in St. Paul. These are important meetings.
We will formulate our associations positions on what to do about NCLB at the national level and what we should be asking of the legislature and Governor in this upcoming legislative session. We know that both the Federal Government and the State Government are going to be in difficult positions financially. Yet we must still be able to operate our schools.
On Wednesday and Thursday, I'll attend regional meetings in Worthington and in Staples. I look forward to meeting our members at these area meetings.
On Friday, September 26th, 6 Superintendents and I will meet with representatives of the State Highway Patrol and the Department of Public Safety to attempt to change their mind on how the new Type III bus licensure statute is interpreted. Bob Belluzo, Bruce Klaehn, Dave Thompson, Dan Brooks, Connie Hayes and Scott Thielman will represent the school districts.
We will also have a representative of the Governors Office and the MDE present. We have had great cooperation from MSBA on trying to resolve this issue. We cannot promise that we will be able to change minds, but we intend to make one heck of a try.
MASA FALL CONFERENCE.... STILL TIME TO REGISTER:
The MASA Fall Conference will be at Madden's Resort near Brainerd on Sunday-Tuesday, October 5-7. We have a good registration so far. The program is excellent and the opportunities to network are important. If you are not yet registered, call Jeanna Quinn at MASA (651-645-6272) and she will expedite the process.
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