February 12, 2026

A New Chapter of Leadership for MASA!

Effective July 1, MASA will proudly welcome a leader who is truly the perfect fit to guide MASA into its next chapter. Dr. Matt Hillmann’s deep commitment to students and unwavering belief in the power of public education will strengthen MASA’s advocacy for every learner in E-12 schools. MASA’s future is bright under his leadership, and I have complete confidence in his ability to champion our members and the students we serve. 

Please join me in celebrating this exciting new beginning for MASA and Dr. Matt Hillmann - mhillmann@northfieldschools.org

Friendly Reminder re: PSEO Notification to Parents and Students 

Subd. 7 of MN statute 124D.09 POSTSECONDARY ENROLLMENT OPTIONS ACT has specific notification requirements regarding PSEO that districts must follow.

In recent years, school districts have been publicly identified for not meeting this requirement, and the media have recently inquired about why so many school districts are failing to comply with the statute. 

As we advocate for revision to the PSEO statute, let’s not get tripped up by being cited for not following the requirements for notification that follow:

“Subd. 7.Dissemination of information; notification of intent to enroll. By the earlier of (1) three weeks prior to the date by which a student must register for school district, charter school, or Tribal contract school courses for the following school year, or (2) March 1 of each year, a school district, charter school, or Tribal contract school must provide up-to-date information on the school district's, charter school's, or Tribal contract school's website and in materials that are distributed to parents and students about the program, including information about enrollment requirements and the ability to earn postsecondary credit to all pupils in grades 8, 9, 10, and 11. To assist the school district, charter school, or Tribal contract school in planning, a pupil must inform the school district, charter school, or Tribal contract school by October 30 or May 30 of each year of the pupil's intent to enroll in postsecondary courses during the following academic term. A pupil is bound by notifying or not notifying the school district, charter school, or Tribal contract school by October 30 or May 30.”

2026 Legislative Session: Education Committee Leadership Overview

For your reference. Please note, given the tie in the House, there are chairs and co-chairs from both parties.

MN HOUSE EDUCATION FINANCE

Co-Chair: Rep. Cheryl Youakim - District: 46B, DFL 

Co-Chair: Rep. Ron Kresha - District: 10A, Republican

Co-Vice Chair: Rep. Ben Bakeberg - District: 54B, Republican

Co-Vice Chair: Rep. Mary Frances Clardy - District: 53A, DFL

MN HOUSE EDUCATION POLICY

Co-Chair: Rep. Sydney Jordan - District: 60A, DFL

Co-Chair: Rep. Peggy Bennett - District: 23A, Republican

Co-Vice Chair: Rep. Patricia Mueller - District: 23B, Republican

Co-Vice Chair: Rep. Josiah Hill - District: 33B, DFL

MN SENATE EDUCATION FINANCE

Chair: Mary K. Kunesh, 39, DFL

Co-Chair: Heather Gustafson 36, DFL

MN SENATE EDUCATION POLICY

Chair: Steve A. Cwodzinski, 49, DFL

Co-Chair: Erin K. Maye Quade, 56, DFL

Leadership Matters!

“To lead, we need to have followers. To be strong, we need to be vulnerable. To give, we need to receive.” - Lolly Daskal