THE HENTON HEADLINES
November 2, 2023

Legislative Commission on Pensions & Retirement Conducts Hearing in Duluth

The meeting was held on October 30 and included roughly 200-225 attendees. The published agenda included 20 testifiers on the Teacher Retirement System with Ed MN President Denise Specht listed as the first to testify. The chair of the commission, Representative Kaohly Vang Her, indicated that the meeting was requested by Ed MN.

Superintendent Mike Malmberg of Pillager Schools and Superintendent Blaine Novak of New York Mills Schools presented testimony on the Teacher Retirement System. Their presentation emphasized that now is the time to act and included possible suggestions on how to reform the system.

Superintendents Malmerg and Novak acknowledge that their suggestions are some of many and that there could be others better suited to the objectives of addressing the discounts current educators face for retiring early. Additionally, they hope a competitive retirement system can be created that keeps teachers in the classroom while recruiting others into the profession. In sum, what they advocate for, as MASA had on its 2022-23 Legislative Platform, is a focused conversation with Pension Commision members around pension reform that leads to beneficial changes for current and future educators. 

Both superintendents welcome your input as they continue their pension reform advocacy efforts and offer their contact information:

Mike Malmberg, 763-238-0425, mmalmberg@isd116.org

Blaine Novak, 218-371-8019, bnovak@nymills.k12.mn.us

“Together in Partnership” Statewide Conference

Please see below the invitation and registration information from the MSHSL that follows. You and/or your activities director or high school principal should also have this information. Please note that MASA is one of the sponsors of this event and this is time sensitive.

Registration deadline: Friday, November 3. Registration Link

The MSHSL and its partner organizations MASA, AMSD, MASSP, MSBA, MNIAAA and MSHSCA are partnering with the MSHSL Student Advisory and Leadership Team (SALT) to offer a statewide student conference to member schools. The student conference will feature both large group keynote-style sessions and smaller breakout sessions where students will learn and work together toward safe, welcoming and inclusive League-sponsored activities and athletics. Those who attend the statewide conference will:

• Develop personal leadership skills and capacity;

• Work collaboratively toward safe, more respectful and inclusive environments in activities and athletics; and

• Be inspired and encouraged to intentionally impact the culture of their school and community.

When: Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Where: St. Paul RiverCentre

Time: 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Cost: $15 per student (includes t-shirt and lunch)

We encourage all schools to register their students and attend this collaborative and interactive student-centered event, as we work toward safe, respectful and inclusive programs and events. Additional Information is available here

Padlet for Retiring MASA/MASE Staff Member Deb Larson

Soon Deb Larson will be retiring. We are grateful for her service to MASA and our members. Please consider adding a message to Deb wishing her well during this next phase of her life!

Leadership Matters!

“The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. [The greatest leader]  is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things” - Ronald Reagan