ANNOUNCEMENTS

 Professional Learning:
 click on a box below for more information and to register

NEW: ​​14-day COVID-19 Case Rate by County
September 23, 2021 View Here

NEW: Covid Updates
September 23, 2021: 
New Cases today: 2,434
Active Cases in MN: 17,697
Added hospitalizations since yesterday:  124
Added ICU since yesterday: 24
Deaths: 24

NEW: 2021-2022 MASA Committee List
View Here

NEW: Renee Corneille Named MASA Richard Green Scholar
21-corneille-greenscholar.pdf(St. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA) has named Dr. Renee Corneille, Superintendent of the St. Anthony-New Brighton School District​, the 2021 Richard Green Scholar. Dr. Corneille will present a paper, “Schooling and Education in a post COVID-19 world: Using context to help understand this moment and provide a path for the future” at the MASA Fall Conference, September 26-28, at the DECC in Duluth.  View the Press Release Here

NEW: Equity Statement
Press Release:  Public school leaders pledge to support and expand education equity programs intended to make schools more safe, welcoming and effective for all students View Here
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NEW: David Krenz Receives MASA Polaris Leadership Award
(St. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA) has named David Krenz, Retired Superintendent of Austin Public Schools, the recipient of the 2021 MASA Polaris Leadership Award. Krenz will be honored for his exemplary school leadership and a lifetime of achievement in education and the wider community at a statewide recognition ceremony at the 2021 MASA Fall Conference, September 27-28. View Here

NEW: PowerPoint presentation from CDC webinar is available
The CDC has provided a PDF of its PowerPoint presentation from last week’s Back to School Fall 2021: A COVID-19 Prevention Strategies for K-12 Schools National Webinar. Please click here to access the presentation.
The CDC did not record this webinar.
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​NEW: 2021 MASA Fall Conference Registration and Information!

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Register to attend the
NEW: ​2021 MASA Fall Conference Registration
September 27-28  •  Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC)

In March, 2020, MASA members gathered for our conference amidst rumblings about the COVID virus.  We avoided handshakes and hugs, and were liberal in our use of hand sanitizer.  We ended the conference on Friday, and on Sunday the Governor announced formally what we all suspected:  the world of public education had changed.  In the months to follow, we tackled a new list of challenges, read pounds of government guidance, and added new terms to our leadership lexicon (PPE, masking, distancing, contact tracing, herd immunity, flattening the curve, and so on).  Now, about a year and a half later, we are “restarting.”  While we contemplate our new reality as it pertains to the status of the pandemic, we consider the opportunity to provide excellent instruction with equity at its center.  We know that lessons have emerged – and continue to develop – as a result of the pandemic challenge.  Our most important take-away:  schools are up to the task.  Join your colleagues this fall, in person, and explore what we learned, how we are different, and how we will experience our next normal in Minnesota public education.
Find participant registration and more information go to:  https://events.resultsathand.com/21masafall/1398

NEW: Dale G. Jensen Classic Golf Tournament
On Sunday afternoon, golfers will enjoy the Dale G. Jensen Classic Golf Tournament, benefiting the MASA Foundation. All conference participants are invited to play, no matter your skill level! The tournament will be held at the beautiful Nemadji Golf Course in Superior, Wisconsin, prior to the Fall Conference.  For more details and to register, visit this link: https://events.resultsathand.com/foundationgolf/1385/registration/310-Registration

NEW: MASA Service Recognition
Would you like to receive a service pin or certificate?
Members who have completed 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 or 45 years of administrative service and five years as MASA members may receive service pins. Eligibility years are counted as school fiscal years. If you qualify for both a superintendent pin and an administrator pin in the same year, you may get both. To receive a service pin or certificate please go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GNKG233 and complete the form by Monday, September 13. Congratulations!

NEW: COVID 19 Updates Click Here

MASA Directory Now Available - Updated August 20
Have you renewed your MASA Membership? Join Today!
The directory is posted in the "Members Only" section of our website.

To renew your membership(s):

• Go to: https://events.resultsathand.com/masa_masemembership/1346
• Select your membership from the top of the page.

Note: Renewing members received an email on June 3 with membership log-in information from MASA/MASE via deb.larson@mnasa.org.

If you are aware of new administrators in your regions, please encourage them to join MASA! You can copy and paste the link above when you send them information about MASA.

• School Tax Elections: Planning for Success in the New Normal
Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA)
and Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors present...
School Tax Elections: Planning for Success in the New Normal
Please register by Wednesday, September 10, 2021
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FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER VISIT: 
https://events.resultsathand.com/maseapp/1397/
TIME:
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
8:00 - 8:20 am – Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:20 am - 3:30 pm – Workshop

AASA Toolkit for Local Advocates: Critical Race Theory
We are happy to share this toolkit with you, Teaching Diverse and Inclusive Curricula Materials and Defending Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

• MASA Finance Academy Registration Now Open!
In response to feedback from our members and our colleagues aspiring to the superintendency, MASA has developed an academy with finance topics especially relevant to the practice of the superintendency. Three sessions throughout the year will provide reflective leadership and skill development leading to development in the excellent practice of the school superintendency.

These sessions will be integrated with the MASA Great Start sessions and will be offered with the gracious support of Baker Tilly.

If you are already registered for the Great Start Cohort, there is no need to register for this academy as it is included in the Great Start Cohort experience.

Registration and full dates can be found online: https://events.resultsathand.com/financeacademy/1389

Who should attend?
New Superintendents
Newer Superintendents
Aspiring Superintendents
Anyone interested in a finance refresher of that part of the superintendency.
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2021-2022 MASA Great Start Cohort
for new superintendents and administrators

Registration is now open for the MASA Great Start Cohort for new superintendents and administrators!

To register and for more information please visit: https://events.resultsathand.com/greatstart/1386.

The Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA) is committed to providing excellent professional development that will support you in your professional practice. As a member of the Great Start Cohort, you will have the opportunity to meet other new leaders, receive information from seasoned leaders, and develop practical skills designed to help you be successful in the first year of your new position. In addition to the seven traditional workshops (scheduled in conjunction with conferences when appropriate for travel and schedule ease), participants will also receive access to the GSC Online Toolbox webpage filled with supporting documents and resources on popular topics.
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UPDATED August 1: 2021 Superintendent Posted Job Openings 
Simply click on the links below or visit the MASA Jobsite here

1. Ashby School District filled by Jon Moore
2. Austin  School District filled by Joey Page
3. Bloomington  School District filled by Eric Melbye
4. BOLD  School District filled by Jim Menton
5. Breckenridge  School District filled by Brad Strand
6. Byron  School District filled by Michael Neubeck
7. Centennial School District filled by Jeffrey Holmberg
8. Chisholm  School District filled by Adrian Norman
9. Clearbrook-Gonvick Minnesota School District filled by Ryan Grow
10. Climax Shelly School District  filled by Dan Dalchow
11. Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley School District filled by Julie Critz
12. Cook County School District filled by Chris Lindholm
13. Dassel-Cokato  School District filled by Mark Raymond
14. Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton  School District filled by Shannon Hunstad
15. Edina School District filled by Stacie Stanley
16. Fairmont School District filled by Andrew Traetow
17. Greenway Schools filled by Lee Warne
18. Henning  School District filled by Melissa Sparks
19. Houston  School District filled by Mary Morem
20. Intermediate School District 917 filled by Michael Favor
21. Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton School filled by Jeremy Erler
22. La Crescent-Hokah  School District filled by Eric Martinez
23. Lac qui Parle Valley  School District  filled by Rick Ellingworth
24. Lake Crystal-Wellcome-Memorial Schools filled by Mark Westerburg
25. Lake Park-Audubon Schools filled by Interim Tim Godfrey
26. Lancaster  School District filled by Brad Homstad
27. Le Sueur-Henderson Public School District filled by Jim Wagner
28. Lynd  School District filled by Jerry Rasmussen
29. Madelia  School District filled by Shelly Bauer
30. Marshall Public  School District filled by Jeremy Williams​
31. Martin County West School District filled by Cori Reynolds
32. Mesabi East School District filled by Jeff Burgess
33. Milroy Public School District interviewing
34. Montevideo School District filled by Wade McKittrick
35. NE Metro Intermediate School District 916 filled by Val Rae Boe
36. New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva (NRHEG)  School District filled by Michael Meihak
37. FYI:  Norman County West School District will be consolidating with Ada-Borup School District
38. Orono  School District filled by Kristine Flesher
39. Paynesville Area Schools filled by Janell Bullard
40. Pequot Lakes Public Schools filled by Kurt Stumpf
41. Pine City Schools filled by Paula Foley
42. Robbinsdale Area  School District filled by David Engstrom
43. Rochester Public  School District filled by Kent Pekel
44. Roseville Area  School District filled by Jenny Loeck\
45. Royalton  School District filled by Kristine Wehrkamp
46. Sartell-St. Stephen  School District filled by Jeffery Ridlehoover
47. Sibley East  School District filled by Joseph Libby​
48. Tri-County School District​ filled by  Mike Gadbois
49. Ulen-Hitterdal  School District filled by Ryan Baron
50. Wabasso School District ​filled by Jon Fulton
51. Walker-Hackensack-Akeley School District filled by Brian Dietz

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 info@sitelogiq.com with your name and district. Visit sitelogiq.com or follow them on social media: LinkedIn, Twitter, or YouTube to learn more. 

MASA/MSHSL Representatives Selected
The MASA Board of Directors met on May 4 in a special session to select two superintendents to serve on the Minnesota State High School League, MSHSL, Board of Directors for Class A and Class AA. The Board of Directors selected Brandon-Evansville Superintendent Don Peschel to represent Class A Schools, and Prior Lake-Savage Superintendent Teri Staloch to represent Class AA Schools.

Their tenure on the MSHSL Governing Board will begin in August 2021, with the Class A position ending on July 31, 2025, and the Class AA position ending on July 31, 2023.

Save the Date!
Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA)
and Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors present...

School Tax Elections: Planning for Success in the New Normal
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
8:00 am - 3:30 pm
in person at the MASA Offices
1884 Como Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108

Planning and executing successful school tax elections is one of the most complex and consequential leadership challenges facing school administrators.  Harnessing the power of research and best practices is critically important to improve your odds of success.  The content of this workshop is based on the book, School Tax Elections: Planning for Success in the New Normal, coauthored by Don Lifto and Barbara Nicol.  AASA’s president, Daniel Domenech, states “Today, school tax referenda are often won or lost by small margins.  With such little room for error, anyone involved in leading, planning and executing such an initiative should read this book carefully.”  In addition to the content presented in the workshop, each school district, organization or business will receive one copy of this book as part of their registration. Watch for registration materials coming this summer.​​

Are you planning to retire in 2021? 
Please let us know if you will be retiring by emailing members@mnasa.org

​Minnesota Orchestra Offering
As spring ushers in the tradition of graduation ceremonies across Minnesota, the Minnesota Orchestra would once again like to offer itself as the “band” for your virtual graduation ceremony. The Minnesota Orchestra is offering a free audio recording and video of its performance of Edward Elgar’s popular graduation march, “Pomp and Circumstance,” for use in conjunction with schools’ graduation ceremonies. Schools may use the audio recording in their own virtual ceremony, add the audio file to their own produced video slideshow, or present the video as part of their virtual ceremony. Schools are also welcome to use these for in-person ceremonies.
Visit https://minnesotaorchestra.org/pomp-and-circumstance-download to sign up.​

2021 MASA Election Results
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s election process.
We would also like to extend a special thank you to all the candidates who ran for a position on the MASA Board of Directors!
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MASA Election Results:

President-Elect – Greater MN - Regions 1-8 (2021-2022)
Laine Larson, Superintendent, Brainerd Public Schools

Region 4 - Superintendent Component Group Representative (2021-24)
Rick Bleichner, Superintendent, Herman-Norcross Community Schools

Region 6 - Superintendent Component Group Representative (2021-24)
Andrew Almos, Superintendent, East Central Public Schools

Region 7 - Superintendent Component Group Representative (2021-24)
Kevin Grover, Superintendent, International Falls Schools

Region 9 - Superintendent Component Group Representative (2021-24)
(Two seats open)
Astein Osei, Superintendent, St. Louis Park Public Schools
Teri Staloch, Superintendent, Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools

Region 9 - Metro Central Office Component Group Representative (2021-24)
Stacie Stanley, Associate Superintendent, Eden Prairie School District

Retiree Representative (2021-24)
Janet Mohr, MASA Retiree

Reading and TedTalk on addressing racism
One of our members has shared the following link and information about Dena Simmons who recently left Yale’s Center for Emotional Intelligence to start her own non-profit. She is a brilliant scholar and a very good writer. She also has an impressive TedTalk. 
https://inservice.ascd.org/if-we-arent-addressing-racism-we-arent-addressing-trauma/
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2021 Press Releases:
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Regional Administrators of Excellence Award
View Press Release Here

Kay E. Jacobs Memorial Award
Laine Larson, Superintendent of Brainerd Public Schools

Outstanding Central Office Leader Award
Michelle Krell, Director of Teaching and Learning of Owatonna Public Schools

Outstanding Central Office Leader Award
Tim Wald, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations of White Bear Lake Area Schools
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MASA Legislative Platform
MASA Legislative Platform

Call for Proposals
MASA is inviting proposals for future Master Classes.

We know our members are busier than ever. We also know that our members are learners, and value the opportunity to enhance personal and professional skills. MASA is offering a number of shorter workshops that we are calling our Master Classes. A master class is an opportunity offered by an expert presenter to learners of advanced skill in a particular profession or discipline. MASA’s master classes will be held virtually every few weeks or so and will feature presentations that address the expressed needs and interests of our members.

Anyone who is interested in presenting a master class is invited to submit a proposal by clicking here. This brief proposal form takes only a few minutes to complete. This is an ongoing invitation, so there is no deadline for submissions, but please send an email to Jeanna Vohnoutka (jeanna.vohnoutka@mnasa.org) so our staff will know you have submitted your proposal.

Some things to note:
Topics can be any subject that would interest educational leaders.
Sessions are short, 90 minutes at most.
Because we offer the sessions at no charge to our members, presenters are not compensated.
Sessions are presented virtually using Zoom.

Thank you for considering a presentation.  Your willingness to share your work is a great gift to your colleagues!​

Management Concerned for Public Education (MCPE)
During the legislative session, MASA will once again be at the capitol representing YOU! 
MASA is committed to providing an excellent effort of influencing lawmakers in the support of educational leaders.
​"​It Takes All of Us” to do this, and we need your support.
​Join MCPE today!​

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