April 24, 2025

Planning for the 2025-26 MSHSL “Together We are Better Initiative”

For the past three years, MASA has made a financial contribution to this initiative that came about as a result of incidents at activities that involved students and race. The MSHSL is the overall sponsor, and in the past, MASA, the coaches association, AMSD, and MASSP have all contributed ideas and financial resources.  MASA is committed again for the 2025-26 school year. 

You may have sent students as part of this initiative to regional meetings for leadership development and to discuss appropriate conduct at events. I have attended one event each year and find them very well done, with students highly engaged.

MASA has been invited to participate in the Together 4.0 Steering Committee, which will guide the development of the regional student leadership conferences this fall/winter. The committee's first virtual meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 29th, at 11:00 AM. The MSHSL anticipates approximately four meetings in total: two this spring, one in August, and one in early fall.

If you would be interested in representing MASA at the meetings facilitated by the MSHSL, please let me know ASAP. deb.henton@mnasa.org. Thank you for your consideration and assistance.

Tiered Licensure Renewal Graphic

In the event you do not receive updates from PELSB, here is a graphic from a recent email you may find helpful in understanding Tiered Licensure and Permission Renewals. 

Should you have questions about PELSB-related items, the superintendent representative on PELSB is Kurt Stumpf of Pequot Lakes.  Kurt is a great resource and represents superintendents very well!

Two Free Resources for You!

• Looking for an Inspirational Video for Teacher Appreciation Week?

“Chasing Green Lights” is the title of this video featuring the National Rural Teacher of the Year, Melissa Oberg. MREA Executive Director Darrin Stroshal suggests you may want to use it as part of your Teacher Appreciation Week celebration. Melissa’s reflections on teaching may inspire you and your staff. Thanks to Darrin for sharing!

• Are you Experiencing Budget Reductions and in Need of a Video to Help Explain Minnesota’s Complicated Funding System?

MASA has partnered with Captivate Media to create a "MN School Funding Explained" video for MASA members to use in their communities. You can find a copy of the video here: ​https://captivatemedia.us/mnschoolfunding/. Feel free to share on social media, at a school board meeting, or on your website. Captivate Media + Consulting is a Leader Level Business Partner with MASA.

Leadership Matters!

“Together with the culture of work, there must be a culture of leisure as gratification. To put it another way: people who work must take the time to relax, to be with their families, to enjoy themselves, read, listen to music, play a sport.” -Pope Francis