February 13, 2025

Interesting Response Regarding Phase II Training

Several school district leaders were disappointed to learn that Phase II staff training was delayed despite prior planning. During the Senate Finance Committee hearing on February 11, Senator Farnsworth asked Assistant Commissioner Bobbie Burnham if districts that had scheduled Phase II training this year could register their teachers. Burnham responded that districts with approved professional development calendars including Phase II training could contact MDE to request registration. She emphasized that MDE is prioritizing Phase I training as its deadline approaches.

DEI Under Scrutiny: Why Equity and Inclusion Are More Vital Than Ever

As discussions on diversity, equity, and inclusion continue, I want to reshare MASA’s Equity Statement, approved by the MASA Board of Directors on June 24, 2021. Below the statement is a reprinted memo (shared with permission) from my counterpart in Washington, G. Joel Aune. In his message, Joel highlights the true meaning of DEI in education and emphasizes the importance of staying the course, despite the misconceptions that sometimes arise.

Like Joel, the MASA executive officers recently reaffirmed in discussion with me the organization’s commitment to ensuring that every child has access to a high-quality education that prepares them for the future—a principle at the core of DEI.

MASA Equity Statement:
It is MASA’s responsibility to prioritize and allocate the resources necessary for each learner to thrive and reach their greatest potential in any Minnesota public educational institution or system. We fervently believe that every student deserves an educational experience grounded in high expectations that is free from bias, prejudice, and discrimination. In our roles, we must continue to lead the work of removing barriers so that every student has access to a high-quality, rigorous education to fully prepare them for whatever path they choose.

“Dear WASA Members, 

With most schools at or about their 90th day in session, we now turn our focus to the second half of the 2024-25 school year. This is an ideal moment to reaffirm our shared commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). These principles are not buzzwords or political talking points—they are the foundation of WASA’s Educational Equity Statement and the core of our work: to ensure each and every student can learn, and achieve their educational goals and aspirations. 

Diversity, at its core, represents the rich range of human differences within our schools and communities— differences in race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, age, religion, language, and beyond. Equity is about ensuring that these differences do not predict educational outcomes. It is not simply about equal access but about achieving fair outcomes for all students by removing systemic barriers. Inclusion means creating environments where every student feels a sense of belonging, safety, and respect, and where their unique needs and backgrounds are recognized and valued. 

Recent political rhetoric misrepresents these principles, casting them as divisive. It is crucial for us, as educational leaders, to rise above these mischaracterizations. DEI is not about preferential treatment or political agendas; it’s about recognizing and addressing the diverse needs of our student populations to ensure all have the opportunity to succeed. 

In today’s climate, parents, board members, and staff may question or even challenge the commitment of school district leaders to DEI. This is why it’s more important than ever to articulate what DEI is—and what it is not. DEI is a commitment to fairness, respect, and opportunity for all students. By distinguishing these principles from political rhetoric, we reinforce their true purpose and importance. 

We must be unwavering in our commitment to Educational Equity regardless of political affiliation. WASA believes true equity is achieved when barriers are removed and high expectations are upheld for every student, ensuring that success is determined by effort and opportunity, not by background. 

Now, more than ever, it’s vital for school district leaders to "stay the course." Despite the political noise, our focus must remain on striving for educational equity. This is not just an educational ambition, but a moral imperative. 

Thank you for both your dedication to this essential work and your commitment to creating environments where all students thrive and achieve their potential."

Respectfully, 

G. Joel Aune 

WASA Executive Director

MSHSL Information Addressing Executive Order and Title IX

Superintendents received this message from the MSHSL this week regarding the need for clarity on MN state laws and compliance with the Executive Order. Since the release of this information, the MSHSL has learned the federal government is opening an investigation of its policies surrounding transgender students participating in activities. It is anticipated that the MSHSL will likely ask the state’s attorney general to advise how MN’s laws and federal regulations intersect. Watch for additional information to come from the MSHSL.

Leadership Matters!

“The hardest part of being strong is that no one ever asks if you are OK.” -As posted by Positive Vibe and shared by former Superintendent Jerry Ness