January 8, 2026

Revised 2026 Superintendent Model Contract

MASA and MSBA have reached an agreement on changes to the 2024 Model Superintendent Contract. Look for the release of the 2026 Revised Model Superintendent Contract to be distributed via email during the week of January 10. If you are going to be negotiating a new contract, you will want to review the contract carefully to ensure your new contract includes the new or revised provisions.

Important 2026 Dates for the MN Legislature

The Legislature released the following information:

 “Legislative leaders on Tuesday officially set the timeline for getting bills through the committee process during the upcoming 2026 session.

Here are the three deadlines for the 2026 session (first and second deadlines are the same day):

Friday, March 27, at 5 p.m.: Committees must act favorably on bills in the house of origin, and committees must act favorably on bills, or companions of bills, that met the first deadline in the other body.

Friday, April 17, at 5 p.m.: Committees must act favorably on major appropriation and finance bills.

The annual Easter/Passover break is scheduled to begin on March 27 at 5 p.m. The Legislature will be in recess until 8 a.m. on April 7. 

Per Joint Rule 2.03, the deadlines do not apply to the House Capital Investment Division; the House Taxes, Ways and Means, or Rules and Legislative Administration committees; nor the Senate Capital Investment, Finance, Taxes or Rules and Administration committees.

The Legislature must complete its work by May 18.”

Knee Replacement Surgery is No Joke!

On December 29, I had knee replacement surgery. I’ve been working about half-time since then and am hoping to be back full-time very soon. As for recovery, well, IYKYK! 

And if you don’t, just know it’s a bit of an adventure. So if I’m a little slower to respond than usual, that’s the reason.

Leadership Matters!

“We have a saying that everyone’s role is different, but everyone’s status is the same. It’s a reminder that no matter how bright the spotlight gets, we are all part of something much larger than ourselves.” - Jay Wright