July 17, 2025

Laying the Groundwork: Are Your 2025–26 Evaluation Components in Place?

Summer is the ideal time for superintendents and school boards to align around expectations and direction for the year ahead. If you haven’t already, consider bringing your draft superintendent goals to the board for discussion and approval. This is also a key opportunity to:

• Clarify the evaluation process — including timeline, measures of success, and how progress will be reviewed.
  
  

• Encourage the board to set its own annual goals — this promotes accountability and models continuous improvement.
  
  

• Ensure alignment between superintendent and board goals so all efforts are pulling in the same direction.
  
  

• Establish norms for communication and collaboration — now is a great time to revisit what’s working and what needs adjusting.

Taking the time in summer to build shared understanding pays off during the busy months ahead.

Where are our New Great Start Members Located?

There are 25 new MASA members, primarily superintendents, who are participating in Great Start-MASA’s program for new members. Thanks to all the mentors who encouraged their mentees to participate! There is still time for your mentee to join if they haven’t already.

Here are the school districts fortunate enough to have their leadership!

Summer Pics-Let’s See yours Next Week!

Superintendent Belinda Selfors of Stewartville Public Schools shared this joyful photo and note: “Here’s a picture of my husband Kevin, me, and our granddaughter Lorelei. We’re having so much fun being Papa K and Nana B!”

Thank you, Belinda, for letting us share in your happiness—and enjoy every minute with that beautiful granddaughter you lovingly described as “the smartest, sweetest, and most-loved first grandchild!”

Guess who was at Target Center in the cream jersey with his hand in the air to witness Byron Buxton hit for the cycle?  Yes, that is one of the Twins’most loyal fans, Superintendent Matt Hillmann of Northfield Public Schools. Matt’s son Jackson is to Matt’s right in the photo! Go Twins!