THE HENTON HEADLINES
March 21, 2024

Seeking Two Superintendents for a Special Advocacy Opportunity!

AASA is launching a new entity called the NAN (National Advocacy Network) for superintendents who will be supported to become a highly successful corps of advocates at the federal level. AASA is asking every State Executive (I’m one of them) to identify two superintendents who are not AASA Governing Board members that would be good candidates for greater federal policy and advocacy engagement.

AASA’s goal is to secure 200 superintendents by the end of the year and to have them not only be helpful in pushing back against dreadful policies and funding levels, but also to play a role in keeping their peer network informed about what is happening in Washington, D.C. Also, AASA may have opportunities for corps members at regional meetings, or other events that seem appropriate, to share a quick federal update as well. NAN members will have the option to meet virtually on a quarterly basis to learn from AASA staff and each other. The NAN members may also receive a discount to the July AASA Advocacy conference to engage in-person about these key issues.

If you are interested in one issue, like CTE or teacher shortages or IDEA funding or just eager to advocate at the federal level, this opportunity is for you!  Let’s continue to be MN Strong and send two representatives to this new AASA opportunity.

Please email me at deb.henton@mnasa.org, and I will assist you with the next step in the process, which is not complex!

MASBO Survey on Budget Projections/Use of Student Support Staff & Library Aid

MASBO sent out a survey to members earlier in the week requesting information on budget projections. It also includes two questions requested by the chair of the senate finance committee, Senator Kunesh, on how funding was used for the new student support staff and library aid.

Please coordinate with your staff to complete the survey, as this will provide valuable information for our advocacy efforts.

MASE/MASA Spring Conference Wrap-up

Both of our organizations thank our MASA members, business partners and exhibitors who attended! A survey was sent to attendees along with CEUs from sara.klecker@mnasa.org on March 20.

A special thanks to MASA staff, Lori, Steph, Dave, Taylor, and Sara, for creating an event where we could come together to learn and network. You are greatly appreciated!

Leadership Matters!

“Leaders begin with a different question than others. Replacing who can I blame with, how am I responsible?” - Orrin Woodward