January 9, 2025
January 9, 2025
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Are You Struggling in Your Position and In Need of Confidential Conversations?
The job of leadership in public school systems is very complex and leaders might encounter difficult situations such as issues with personnel, parents, communities, or school boards. MASA wants to provide our members with as much assistance as possible. Therefore, in addition to the MASA legal support services, we have the Professional Assistance Team (P.A.T.) who will assist you confidentially.
Please don’t hesitate to contact any one of them, or me should you need someone to talk to.
Peter Olson-Skog
Superintendent
W. St. Paul-Mendota Hgts.-Eagan Area Schools
Cell: 651-216-7304
Theresa Battle
Superintendent
Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District
Cell: 612-490-7177
Office: 952-707-2005
St. Louis County & Mountain Iron-Buhl Schools
rengebritson@isd2142.k12.mn.us
Last District Served: Willmar Public Schools
2025 Legislative Session Filled with Uncertainty
While the start of any legislative session is filled with uncertainty, the 2025 session is shaping up to be more unpredictable than ever.
In the 40B race, a judge recently ruled that the winning DFL candidate was ineligible to serve due to not meeting the residency requirements for the district. Following this decision, Governor Walz called a special election for January 28 to fill the vacant seat.
As a result of this vacancy, Republicans now hold a 67-66 majority, giving Republican leader Representative Lisa Demuth the votes needed to become Speaker of the House. This power shift is also likely to upend the previously negotiated power-sharing and committee agreements.
Adding to this uncertainty is the contested election in House District 54A, where DFL incumbent Brad Tabke won by a narrow margin of just 14 votes. Although he prevailed in a recount, the Republican challenger filed a lawsuit contesting the outcome, citing the issue of 20 missing absentee ballots. A ruling from a Scott County judge is expected in early January.
Even if Rep. Tabke prevails in court, House Republicans could further challenge the result by refusing to seat him, potentially prolonging the period of uncertainty.
The Minnesota Senate will begin the 2025 session with a 33-33 tie following the death of DFL Senator Kari Dziedzic in late December. A special election to fill her seat is scheduled for January 28. While a DFL candidate will likely win the seat, the Senate will remain tied for the initial weeks of the session, raising questions about how the chamber will organize and function during this interim period.
The situation continues to evolve daily as the election drama unfolds. MASA Lobbyist Valerie Dosland and I will keep you updated as the latest information becomes available.
All MASA Region Days at the Capitol are Scheduled!
A special thanks to region leaders for scheduling these important days of advocacy and to all members able to attend with colleagues.
*ATTENTION Region Leaders from Regions 1, 3, 5, 6, 7*
Each year at the Spring Conference in March, MASA recognizes leaders nominated by their region to be their “Regional Administrator of Excellence.” We are missing names from the regions identified below. Please send your selection to taylor.ethen@mnasa.org and deb.henton@mnasa.org.
MASA Regional Administrators of Excellence:
Region 1:
Region 3:
Region 5:
Region 6:
Region 7:
Leadership Matters!
"Forgiveness says you are given another chance to make a new beginning." - Desmond Tutu
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