May 30, 2024

MASA Annual Superintendent Salary Survey

Have you had a chance to fill out the annual survey? Here is a link where you can join your colleagues who are providing this information that will be so helpful when you negotiate your next contract!

FAFSA Briefing with AASA and U.S. Deputy Secretary Cindy Marten 

Noelle Ellerson Ng of AASA asked state executive directors to share the following information:

A recording of the call can be found here. The following updates and resources were shared during the call and can also be found on AASA’s FAFSA resource hub.

• FAFSA Student Support Strategy (ECMC Application): The U.S. Department of Education recently announced a $50 million grant initiative to support schools in helping their students to complete the FAFSA. As mentioned during the call, once your application is received, you should hear back within 3 business days. For those who have applied but have not heard back, they can contact FAFSAsupport@ECMC.org for more information. Please note that there have been some applications that have required more information before funding was issued. Learn More and Apply

• FAFSA Data Tracker: You can access FAFSA completion data for your school or district here. This data is updated regularly by USED. The National College Attainment Network also has a state dashboard you can reference.

• Graduation Package: Graduations are in full swing! This packet of ready-made flyers and customizable templates can help you encourage your graduating students and families.

Noelle also offered AASA’s FAFSA hub and the Policy and Advocacy blog for the latest updates.

Second Request: Might You Consider Joining the Triple E Network?

Roughly four years ago, MASA created the Equity and Excellence in Education Network, referred to as the Triple E Network. A big thanks to the MASA members who have committed to serve within the network which essentially functions as a steering committee, and to the Foundation that supports the efforts of the Triple E. 

What does the network do? The main purpose of the Triple E Network is to advise MASA around professional development activities that should be offered to assist members in achieving equity for every child. For example, the Professional Dialogue Series currently led by Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Thomas was a result of conversations with the group. 

How often does the network meet? The most recent suggestion was to meet in the morning prior to the start of the Fall and Spring Conferences so that there could be at least two in-person meetings. There will be occasional virtual meetings sprinkled throughout the year that last no more than one hour with no preparation needed on the part of participants.

The MASA Board of Directors is committed to equity for every child and has approved the following statement:

MASA’s Equity Statement

It is MASA’s responsibility to prioritize and allocate the resources necessary for each learner to thrive and reach their greatest potential in any Minnesota public educational institution or system. We fervently believe that every student deserves an educational experience grounded in high expectations that is free from bias, prejudice, and discrimination.  In our roles, we must continue to lead the work of removing barriers so that every student has access to a high-quality, rigorous education to fully prepare them for whatever path they choose.

One of our members once said to me, “Furthering equity is the work of our lifetime.” I will always feel the impact and urgency of that statement. Won’t you join us in this work? Please email me if you are interested. Thank you for your consideration.

Youth Mental Health Corps

Former State Representative and Education Chair Jim Davnie contacted me to share that he now works for the Minnesota Alliance With Youth and that they are launching a new initiative that will provide training and mental health support for their members working with students. The Alliance is the largest AmeriCorps program in Minnesota starting this initiative. There will also be a career pathway to a Bachelor in Social Work offered which it is hoped will help with the shortage of individuals seeking employment in the social work field.

Here is a link to the new program.

Leadership Matters

“I no longer listen to what people say, I just watch what they do. Behavior never lies.” -Winston Churchill