Voice of MN Education

MASA... "On the Road" w/ Charlie... Economy & Communication

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

The audio podcast below is 5 minutes long.   Just click the audio bar once or twice.

MEETING WITH OTHER STATE LEADERS TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE NATIONAL ECONOMY AND THE CHANGE IN ADMINISTRATIONS:

I am in Santa Fe, New Mexico meeting with the other state association executives from across the nation. We are being briefed on the possible changes undeway as the Obama administration takes over the federal government. We are also learning more about the seriousness of the global economic problem. By the way there is some snow on the ground here so we aren't playing much at all. The meeting is very serious in content and tone.

COMMUNICATE NOW:

This is the time to be communicating with all your stakeholder groups....Staff, Principals, Board, Community & Parent Leaders, Student Leaders and the Media.

Work to have a coordinated set of messages coming from school leaders. Communicate your Districts situation, but don't spread panic. Also be sympathetic as many families and school employees are nervous about what the future may hold.

In your communication also indicate that you and other school officials are monitoring the situation, that you are engaging in contingency planning, and your efforts to be an advocate for public education. Pledge to keep the lines of communication open.

COMMUNICATION TIP:

Think in terms of feeding your stakeholders. As you create your message, first serve up a 'bite', then a 'snack' and finally the meal. Thus give a quick opening comment, then several bullet points on what you are doing and finally a rest of the message. In the end, the whole message needs to be read in 3 minutes or less.

STAY AS POSITIVE AS POSSIBLE:

As a leader, part of your job is to sell 'hope'. Thus as you communicate both in person and by written communications, let people know that we will all get through this and the importance of working together and supporting each other.

Keep participating in your regional meetings and stay active in MASA. It is in these types of times that we all need personal and professional support.

MASA ... Math Test Position

This is a report to MASA Superintendents and Curriculum Leaders on MASA's testimony to the Minnesota Senate regarding the 11th Math GRAD Test. Message from Charlie Kyte, MASA Executive Director.

The audio portion of this podcast is 8 and half minutes long.

December 1, 2008
Senate Education Committee
Minnesota State Capitol
St. Paul, Minnesota

Senate Education Committee members:
NCLB IS PRESENTLY QUITE PUNITIVE AT BOTH THE NATIONAL AND MINNESOTA STATE LEVELS:
1.     NCLB will soon be either repealed or re-authorized.  Federal policy makers recognize that the punitive elements of NCLB need to be re-directed into a more positive and helpful approach.
2.     Among the states, Minnesota, has utilized a set of rules that are more punishing of schools than most other states in the country.  In spite of Minnesota’s positive track record in education, Minnesota’s schools have seen record levels of schools given punitive marks.
3.    Skilled educators, parents and policy makers know that more progress can usually be made with positive inducements than with negative consequences

MATH COMPETENCY FOR MINNESOTA STUDENTS MUST BE INCREASED:
1.     Minnesota’s students must do better in math if Minnesota is to attain the proficiency required to provide well educated citizens and to participate in a world competitive economy.
2.    Minnesota needs three (3) elements to be present to increase math competency:
a.    Students, parents and citizens willing to demand and attain high proficiency.
b.    Teachers and schools prepared to deliver world class results in math.
c.    Progressive state policies that will help attain success.

THE CURRENT PLAN TO REQUIRE PASSAGE OF THE MATH GRAD TEST AS A REQUIREMENT FOR GRADUATION IS PUNITIVE TO STUDENTS AND SCHOOLS, AND WILL HAVE NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES:
1.     Even setting the cut score on the Math GRAD Test at a partial proficiency level will result in about 75% of students passing the test, even after hasty re-mediation and re-testing.
2.    If 25% of students attaining grade 12 do not pass the Math GRAD Test, this will mean 4000-5000 students that will be denied graduation for this reason alone.  These students will suffer from lost opportunities to enter colleges, the military and other types of vocational training.
3.    If some type of a waiver, or appeals, process is allowed for students not passing the test, there will be the following effects:
a.    An appeal/waiver process will place a significant burden on HS Principals and School Boards to determine which students can graduate, or not graduate, via the appeals/waiver process.
b.    Students, and their parents, denied diplomas, may use litigation to change these decisions.
c.    Some schools would grant waivers to all students, making a mockery of the whole process and negating the movement toward higher proficiency.

WE SUGGEST AN ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION:
1.  Let’s move away from the punitive approach now being used so prevalently.
2.  Consider rewarding students and schools for doing well!
    ** Provide a math endorsement for all students passing the Math GRAD test.  This endorsement would be placed on both a students transcript and on their diploma.
    ** Consider a second, higher endorsement level that indicates proficiency on the full 11th grade math test.  This endorsement could also indicate ‘college’ readiness.
    ** Consider additional inducements to encourage students to strive to show math proficiency via these tests.
    ** Recognize schools that have high percentages of students attaining math proficiency.
    **  With this approach no time delay would be necessary for implementation and could be in effect for 2010 graduates.
    ** The Math GRAD cut score could be set at a more reasonable level rather than undesirably low.

THIS SOLUTION COULD BE WIDELY SUPPORTED BY EDUCATORS:
1.      MASA represents all of the school superintendents as well as many curriculum leaders, special education directors and central office administrators.  They would be very supportive.

Respectfully submitted, and representing the members of the Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA),

Dr. Charles Kyte, Executive Director

MASA..."On the Road" w/Charlie: Election follow-up

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

The audio podcast above is 6 minutes long.  Just click on the audio bar to listen.

DENNIS PETERSON IS THE 2009 SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR:

Dennis Peterson has just been named as Minnesota's Superintendent of the Year.  Dennis is the Superintendent for the Minnetonka Schools.  He has been a Superintendent for 35 years.  A press release about Dennis' accomplishments is on the MASA website.

There was an excellent group of candidates this year for this honor.  We thank all who had an application submitted.  We congratulate Dennis and now wish him well as his name is submitted to AASA as a candidate for recognition as the AASA National Superintendent of the Year.  The reciprient of this honor will be named at the AASA National Conference on Education in February. 

CONGRATULATE ELECTION WINNERS:

You need to contact the state level election winners immediately.  Send a letter or note of congratulations.  Within a week, then invite them to meet with you, and some of your staff, to help solidify the relationship between your local state officials and your school district.  You are going to need a lot of help from these state representatives, so beginning to build relationships early is just smart business.

CREATE 2 SCHOOL CALENDARS:

Create 2 calendars for 2009-10.  Have one begin after labor day and the other beginning a week earlier.  Obviously the first calendar will end later in the spring.   Then survey your parents and ask which calendar moption they prefer.  We estimate that over 70% of parents will prefer the earlier start date combined with an earlier dismissal in he spring.

We will ask for a change in the labor day start statute.  Your ability to show your state representative the 2 calendars and their opinion on the choices will go a long way in helping to get this law changed.

DO A 'DUAL' ANALYSIS OF YOUR FINANCIAL PICTURE FOR THE NEXT 2 YEARS:

The MN legislature is going to have a hard time finding money for our schools for the next 2 years.  The state is in a dire financial situation and additional revenues will need to be raised to properly fund schools.  there is a chance ( a realistic chance) that schools would not see any new money for the next 2 years.

Thus we are asking all Districts to look at their financial picture in two ways:

  1)  Assume a 2% increase in funding for 2009-10 and for 2010-11.  Build the 2%'s as though the $51 of one time funding you got for this year remains in place as well.

2)  Assume a 0% increase in each of the next two years and start from the assumption that the $51 of one time money will not be provided.

Make a determination of approximately the changes you would need to make in staffing and programs under each scenario.  We will want to show legislators the effects of no new funding as we move into the legislative session.  We will ask you to do this with your own legislators and we will be compiling this information as the legislative session begins so that the effect on the whole state can be seen.

TRANSITION BETWEEN SPORT SEASONS:

The fall sport season is pretty well over except for tournament games.  We hope students and teachers can use this breather between seasons as an opportunity to concentrate on academics and other student activities.  Have a good November!!

MASA... "On the Road" w/Charlie: An interesting 2 weeks

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.

MASA... "On the Road" w/ Charlie... Survey results

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

The accompanying audio podcast is 9 minutes long. Just click the audio bar.

MASA MEMBER SURVEY RESULTS

Last spring, for every superintendent predicting a student enrollment increase this fall in their school systems, 4 predicted a decline and another 4 predicted that enrollments would remain relatively unchanged.

1/3 of superintendents were seeing students electing on-line courses from their own consortium of schools, 1/3 seeing students taking on-line courses from other districts or entities and 1/3 did not yet see students taking on-line courses.

MASA members are planning to stay in public education, on average, for 5 more years. Slightly more than 1/2 of you plan to finish your career where you are presently employed and slightly less than 1/2 plan another employment move.

40th ANNUAL PDK/ GALLOP POLL

Fewer than 2 in 10 americans believe that NCLB legislation should continue without major changes. They see lack of funding as the biggest problem facing our nations schools. Americans do have a better impression of European and Asian schools than of our nations schools.

Americans support students taking college courses and earning college credit while still in HS. In a change from 9 years ago, americans believe that written observations by teachers, as opposed to standardized tests, are a superior way to document student academic progress.

STATE OF OUR NATION'S YOUTH REPORT

Published by the Horatio Alger Association, this study found our nations youth to be confident, ambitious and optimistic. They report that the two biggest issues impacting them in education are technology and the Internet. Our youth want to see schools modernize technology and they recognize the importance of science and technology to our nations future global competitiveness. Although personally optimistic, they are less optimistic about the condition of our country than youth have reported in the past.

AASA SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR MAGAZINE.... LOCAL CONTRIBUTORS

Two well written articles were published in this month's School Administrator Magazine by Minnesota writers, Kim Gibbons of SCRED and Reggie Engebritson of the Northland Special Education Coop. Also Steve Jordahl (St. Cloud)and Larry Nybladh (formerly of Moorhead) were featured on the "Transitions" page.

MN BOARD OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS TO STUDY SPECIAL EDUCATION LICENSES. MEMBER NEEDED FOR COMMITTEE

If you would be willing to serve on this committee as a representative of MASA, please contact Charlie (651-247-6505 or [email protected]).

EDUCATION SUMMIT.... SAVE THE DATE

The Alliance for Student Achievement invites you to the 7th annual Education Summit "Today's Students-Tomorrow's Citizens" on Friday, October 17 from 8:00a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at the St. Paul River Center.

Keynotes include:

Harold Hodgkinson, Director of the Center for Demographic Policy..... One of the nation's leading educational demographers will question today's reform efforts that focus on the system itself but overlook the needs of the people who are moving through the system.

Associate Justice Paul Anderson, Minnesota Supreme Court..... A Minnesota native with experience in courts, school boards and youth volunteer services, Justice Anderson will share his perspective about civic engagement.

EXECUTIVE COACH AVAILABLE

A former Superintendent from another state, now residing in Minnesota has been trainied as an executive coach. If interested in retaining a person to coach/ mentor yourself or an administrator from your District, e-mail Charlie for more information.

"On the Road w/Charlie": Dialogue with Colleges

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

The accompanying audio podcast is 7 minutes long. Just click the audio bar once or twice.

INSTANT ALERT TEST THIS WEEK

MASA uses the Honeywell Instant Alert System to communicate with members in the case of emergencies. We will test the system later this week. Expect a call message or two on your home, cell and work telephones.

COLLEGE DEAN'S TO ATTEND MASA FALL CONFERENCE..... A CHANCE TO WORK TOGETHER

The MASA Fall Conference will be held at Madden's Resort on Sunday thru Tuesday, October 5-7. Registration materials come out this week. Join your colleagues for great professional development and personal networking.

Of special interest will be a session on Monday afternoon that will be attended by Dean's of Education and Technical College President's from across the state. In regional groups we will hold professional discussions on how we can better work together to have the best teachers coming out of our colleges and how we can work more closely to give HS students access to technical education opportunities.

BEAUTIFUL SUMMER WEATHER AND THE EXCITEMENT OF OPENING SCHOOL

As we come to the conclusion of an idyllic summer, we turn to the exciting tasks of getting the schools of Minnesota open once again. Use this week to spend time with staff and do your best to motivate them to get off to a positive start with their students.

QUESTION ABOUT SCIENCE TESTS AND TECHNOLOGICAL GLITCHES

Several Superintendents have indicated that their schools had trouble with the technical aspects of last springs science tests that were given on-line. The result was a loss of enthusiasm on the part of students, who then eventually made less than a full effort on these tests. If your school experienced problems, please let me know. MASA will carry these issues to both the MDE and to the testing companies.

SCHOOL BOARD RESOLUTIONS ON REFORMING/ REPEALING NCLB

MASA will be asking every school board in the state to pass a resolution asking both our national and state elected officials to either repeal or abandon NCLB as a failed accountability system. Watch for more information coming to you from the MASA Federal Advocacy Committee in late September.

CALL WITH QUESTIONS

If you have operational, policy or board governance questions, just give us a call. Charlie's cell phone number is 651-247-6505.

"On the Road w/Charlie": AYP & Prep for School Yr

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

The accompanying audio podcast is 6 minutes long. Just click once or twice on the audio bar.

AYP IS A PUBLIC RELATIONS DISASTER FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS

In Minnesota nearly 1000 of 2000 schools didn't make AYP in 2008. In our neighboring state of Wisconsin 153 of 2200 schools were in the same catagory. 50% versus 7%! And our systems are very similar in every other measure of success.

This crazy system, as it is being employed in Minnesota, is absolutely destroying the publics confidence in our schools. Most people read a headline and a couple of paragraphs. Education leaders are forced into a defensive posture as they try to explain the results. Teachers are becoming demoralized as they see no chance of their schools being successful.

In Minnesota, our leaders have devised a system in which there are only going to be two kinds of schools.... those not making AYP now and those not making AYP in the future. Wouldn't it be great if the state education leadership would acknowledge that 'bludgeoning' our schools and undermining the publics confidence is not the way to get to better results.

Every public educator in Minnesota wants to provide our kids a great education, but need support and help, not this type of negative attack publicity.

MASA FALL CONFERENCE

Mark your calendars for October 5, 6 & 7. The MASA Fall Conference will be at Madden's near Brainerd this year. The conference is shaping up to be very strong and we will be emphasizing opportunities for members to interact in professional learning community (PLC's) groups.

Conference materials will be out to you on August 25th.

MEET WITH LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATES NOW

There are at least 2 candidates running for each of the 134 state representative seats for the MN legislature. The best time to be meeting with them is before the elections. By inviting candidates into your schools you can show them some of the good things going on and determine their attitudes about public education. You also help the candidates by having them being seen in the schools and being introduced to members of the electorate.

Look for promises now and then hold the winners feet to the fire once the election season is over.

PREPARING FOR PRE-SCHOOL WORKSHOPS

Pre-school workshops begin within a week and a half. Your schools plans for the professional development workshops are probably pretty well set up. One thing that you should be doing during this period of time is to visit with as many staff members as possible.

Sometimes Superintendent's and top administrators get too busy and forget that 'pressing the flesh' with the front-line people that deliver the education in your schools. This is also a time to enjoy seeing people again and to have a bit of casual time with them.

BRING POSITIVE MESSAGES TO 8TH GRADERS AS THEY ALL TACKLE ALGEBRA I

It is important for MS math teachers to be communicating with their 8th grade students with messages that they will be able to do algebra. In several conversations that I have had recently with math teachers I'm afraid that the communication may be that this is very hard and students won't be able to do it. We know we are stretching our students up to world class standards and they will have more success if they believe they can do it.

Have a great start to the school year!

ENCOURAGE SUCESS FOR 8TH GRADERS BEGINNING ALGEBRA I

This is the first year that all 8th grade students will be taking Algebra I. This change will require a significant step up in rigor for a big portion of our students, but will bring them into line with what students in a number of leading nations are now doing. The biggest difference is that we will be doing this for nearly all students.

One of the most important things to do is to convince students that they can be successful. Based on several recent conversations with MS math teachers, I'm afraid that they may give students the exact opposite message. It is important to convince your teachers to provide students with positive encouragement and to employ relevant teaching techniques as they work with their 8th graders.

MASA... "On the Road" w/Charlie: Reputation Management

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

The audio podcast above is 7 1/2 minutes long. Click the audio bar to activate it.

REPUTATION MANAGEMENT

School Districts need to attend to their reputations with many diverse groups of citizens and users. To manage your reputation well requires specific strategies and goes well beyond PR. Listen to the audio podcast above for more observations about "Reputation Management"

CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS

Below is a list of Conferences and Workshops that you may want to attend. Typically registration materials are sent out & posted 6 1/2 weeks prior to each activity.

Great Start I for new MASA members: July 30-31 in St. Paul
Great Start II for new MASA members: August 14 in Bloomington

MSBA Summer Seminar: August 14-15 in Bloomington
RTI Conference: September 16-17 in Rochester (FULL w/ 850 people registered)

MASA Fall Conference: October 5-7 at Madden's near Brainerd

Alliance for Student Achievement Summit: October 17 in St. Paul
MASE Fall Conference: October 23-24 at Cragun's near Brainerd

Curriculum Leaders (CLM) Conference: November 19-21 at Cragun's

REGIONAL APPLE PODCASTING WORKSHOPS

In a partnership with Apple Computer, MASA has been able to offer all Superintendents an opportunity to attend a workshop at the regional level to learn how to do pod casting. Watch for the announcement of this training opportunity in your region.

POST-RETIREMENT (OPEB) ESSAY BY CHARLIE

Should a school district use the new Levy/ Bonding authority as a way to fund post retirement benefits. Charlie has written as essay about this for the use of school leaders. It will be posted on the MASA Website on Tuesday, July 29.

MASA "JOBSITE ONLINE" REACHES MILESTONE

The MASA Jobsite On-Line just posted the 30,000 job in it's history. The MASA Jobsite has served school districts and prospective applicants for 10 years and is actively used by over 200 school districts in Minnesota.

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.