October 30, 2025

*Federal Government Update from Tara Thomas of AASA*

• Government Shutdown: Reports are saying that Senate leaders are beginning to talk to each other as the government shutdown enters day 29. November 1 is proving to be a critical date as the end of SNAP benefits and a second missed paycheck for federal workers is putting increased pressure on lawmakers.

• Head Start: Also on November 1 – an estimated 134 Head Start programs will be due to receive federal funding that they are relying on. We understand that this is creating anxiety and uncertainty for school districts who may operate or partner with these programs. Today we posted a guest blog from the National Head Start Association to clear up some possible misconceptions and highlight how school districts and Head Start can work together through the shutdown to ensure children and families are prioritized.

• Federal Share of Education Funding: We are excited to release a new resource that shows the average percentage that federal funding represents for district budgets. For the 2022–23 school year, AASA’s analysis found that federal funds made up just under 13 percent (12.75%) of a typical school district’s operating budget. However, this number varied significantly by state. Access it here.

• 2025-26 Superintendent Salary & Benefits Survey: We have extended that deadline through this weekend. Please share with your members and encourage them to complete it. Please use this link to complete the survey. If we get at least 30% of our MN members to participate, we will receive state specific reports.

Share Your Voice: Dual Enrollment Surveys for Students and Families

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) and the Minnesota P-20 Education Partnership are asking for input from high school students and their parents/guardians to better understand how families learn about and make decisions around dual enrollment opportunities.

Both surveys are short (about five minutes), anonymous, and open to all high school students and families, whether or not they plan to earn college credit in high school. Their feedback will help inform future policy and program planning across Minnesota. Please share these links with your school and community networks. 

• 🧑‍🎓 Student Survey: https://mohe.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ey3QASeVin7wBqm

• 👨‍👩‍👧 Parent/Guardian Survey: https://mohe.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4GgNZgRbTrW2TtQ

Please Complete the MSBA Annual Survey!

The Data Collected Informs all Ed. Orgs. in their Lobbying Efforts. The survey closes soon!

Link for School Board Members

• Access Fall Survey | Review survey questions before compiling data

Link for District Staff

• Access Fall Survey | Review survey questions before compiling data

Leadership Matters!

“Leaders respond & change; the rest quit and blame.” - Orrin Woodward

Did you know we have an artist in our midst? It is not often that an art teacher becomes a superintendent. Here is the superintendent’s free-style carving adaptation of the school district’s logo. Any guesses who might have created this Halloween pumpkin?

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!