March 12, 2026

MASA Joins ‘MN Kids Rise' Initiative

You may recall MSBA’s recent public school advocacy campaign called “One Voice.” That initiative has been relaunched as MN Kids Rise. MASA, AMSD, the Minnesota Service Cooperatives, and MinnSPRA are collaborating with MSBA on this statewide campaign to strengthen support for public education. 

MASA President-elect Dr. Laurie Putnam and I are representing the MASA Board of Directors on the steering committee. Also invited by MSBA to join the steering committee are Superintendents Kim Hiel of Osseo Area Schools, Michael Thomas of Prior Lake-Savage Schools, and Matt Grose of Grand Rapids Schools.

During a recent steering committee meeting survey data was presented by Morris Leatherman that you might find interesting and instructive — especially if you are considering a bond or operating levy election in the future.

More information about MN Kids Rise will be forthcoming in the weeks and months ahead.

Get to Know Our Candidates!

Read the officer candidate statements, view videos submitted, and learn more about the full board nominees at https://www.mnasa.org/2026-board-candidates

Request from the Office of the Legislative Auditor

The Office of the Legislative Auditor is conducting an evaluation of autism spectrum disorder services in public schools.  Here is a portion of the email sent to MASA announcing the opportunity for you to provide input if you choose.

Areas of study may include:

• To what extent are appropriate special education services available to students with autism spectrum disorder in Minnesota public schools?

• How well does the Minnesota Department of Education coordinate with and oversee school districts to ensure appropriate services are available and provided?

To provide input, please complete our online questionnaire located here by March 30, 2026.  We also encourage you to forward this invitation to others who may want to provide feedback on the topic.

You may also provide written comments by contacting Caitlin Badger, the manager of this evaluation, at Caitlin.Badger@state.mn.us.  Please note that if requested, we will classify as not public the identity of a person who provides input.

Leadership Matters!

Former University of Minnesota Gopher Football Coach Lou Holtz died recently. He is often quoted as saying, “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it.” May he rest in peace.