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PURPOSE
MASE strives to:
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Offer information that is concise, consistent and predictable to support the work you do in your communities
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Streamline our communications and reduce the number of messages in your mailbox
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A message from Erin Toninato,
MASE Executive Director:
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Thanks to Our Work Group Members!
Happy Friday to you all! It's October, and it is my favorite month of the year. The color changes, motivation to get outside and enjoy cooler weather, and of course, opportunities to connect with all of you at the MDE Forum and/or at the MASE Fall Conference! I look forward to seeing you soon!
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This week, I want to take a moment to thank the MASE members who have agreed to serve on the work groups that were established during the last legislative session. Your willingness to step in and lend your expertise makes a difference not only for your colleagues but, most importantly, for students and families across Minnesota.
We are grateful for the following MASE members:
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Developmental Disabilities (DD) Workgroup: Deanna Gronseth (Hastings), Ashley Nelson (Moorhead)
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Seclusion Workgroup: Nicole Woodward (SCRED), Dave Haveman (Intermediate District 917), Kim Baker (Owatonna)
In addition, the Blue Ribbon Commission has been selected. This group was created to take a deep look at special education funding and services in Minnesota—examining what’s working, identifying barriers, and making recommendations that could include reducing or redirecting funding. The Commission is comprised of a cross-representation of school leaders (superintendents, finance managers, etc.), and we are proud to share that the following Special Education Directors have been selected:
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Dan Armagost (SMEC – House Speaker Appointment)
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Erin Lavery (Indigo Education – Governor Appointee)
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Melanie Kray (SWWC Service Cooperative – Governor Appointee)
Having Special Education Directors at these tables is essential to ensure that the impact of any potential funding cuts is understood from the perspective of those leading special education every day.
Your work helps move us all forward!
As always...thanks for all you do!
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Sharing a Glimmer
“One of my biggest glimmers is getting to build clarity and capacity in the staff I work with. There’s something so meaningful about watching someone step into their own leadership and confidence, knowing I was able to play a small role in that growth. Those moments remind me why I do this work and bring me so much joy.”
From Rachel Kasper, Cambridge-Isanti Public Schools
Share your own “MASE Moments of Awe.” These are the stories—the glimmers—that highlight the beauty and importance of what we do.
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Welcome, Platinum Business Partners!
Strategic Behavioral Solutions
Strategic Staffing Solutions
Work Life Ready
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NEW
IMPORTANT: Compliance Reminder from the U.S. Department of Education: Membership Dues and Federal Grant Funds
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Many district leaders recently received a Dear Colleague letter from the U.S. Department of Education reiterating that federal grant funds may not be used to pay membership dues if any portion of those dues supports lobbying activities.
Because nonprofit organizations, including professional associations like ours, often use a portion of dues to contract for lobbying services, districts must not code MASE membership dues to federal special education funds.
Please review your district’s accounting practices to ensure compliance with this federal requirement. Membership dues should be charged only to appropriate, non-federal funding sources.
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U.S. Education Department Brings Back Mental Health Grants
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MASE New Directors Cohort Kicks Off
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Last week, MASE welcomed 28 people to our headquarters building for the first in a series of events geared especially to new directors and assistant directors. Our thanks to the presenters from our Professional Development Committee for sharing their time and expertise, and to the participants for their engagement!
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Ryan Rehnstrand leads the discussion among the participants.
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Three of our participants posed for a picture during a break
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ONGOING
MASE Membership Renewals
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Thanks to all who have renewed already. Important: If you are part of a district with a central billing office, we need to have your billing contact in our system so that they receive notifications if you have chosen the invoice option for your membership (or for conference and event registration).
Also, if you want to sign up for a CEC/CASE membership and it doesn’t already appear on your invoice, please contact Laurie Pumper at laurie.pumper@mnase.org. It’s an easy fix.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out; staff are all happy to assist!
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The first SLICE session is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 4, on the topic of Data Collection. Watch for additional details soon! View a full list of dates for the 2025-26 year.
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NEW
Registration Now Open for MASE Finance Academy
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The MASE Finance Academy is geared to current and new Directors of Special Education!
Our all-day in-person sessions will provide an overview and deep dive into special education finance. It will include timely reporting, state and federal aid, tuition billing, third party billing, and much, much more. Participants will dive deep into state reports and interactive budgeting and staffing models. These workshops will include information on how to maximize your revenue to navigate budget cuts.
Our virtual sessions will consist of "just in time" information. In October, the session will focus on setting up time and effort, aligning it to codes in SEDRA, and ensuring you maximize your tuition billing based on coding. In December, we will go over the SEDRA requirements for the January run as well as navigating MOE in light of budgeting and/or budget cuts. In March, we will help you structure a working budget and ensure you are maximizing your Third-Party Billing.
The Finance Academy kicks off with a virtual session on Oct. 28. The first in-person session is scheduled for Nov. 10 in Bemidji.
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Check out the 2025 MASE
Fall Leadership Conference Schedule!
We’re excited to bring you a three-day program filled with opportunities to learn, share, and connect. From dynamic keynote speakers to engaging breakout sessions, this year’s schedule is designed to inspire and equip you with tools you can take back to your schools and teams.
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Register for the MDE Special Education Directors’ Forum
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MDE’s Special Education Directors’ Forum will be held on Friday, Oct. 10. This full-day event is filled with essential learning, updates, and community gathering. Registration is required to confirm your attendance and preferred format. Please complete the registration form to let MDE know how you plan to attend and to register for the afternoon breakout sessions.
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Register Now for the CASE Conference
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The CASE Conference in Oklahoma City is right around the corner—November 5-7 in Oklahoma City to celebrate 50 years of the IDEA. CASE puts on a great conference and it is well worth your time to attend. If you are interested, you can find registration and hotel information on the CASE website. Many people attended the conference last year and we would love to have another big group from Minnesota in OKC!
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Register Now! MDE Special Education Funding Training Webinars
Registration is now open for the following webinars:
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Special Education Tuition Billing Overview, October 8, 10 a.m.
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Special Education MEGS Training Webinar, October 22, 10 a.m.
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MASE Committee Sign-up
Although we have provided the names of those who signed up for committees to the respective committee chairs, you are still welcome to sign up for committees for the 2025-26 year! Go to the Member Compass and click on the Profile tab on the left side of the screen.
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Welcome, Silver Business Partners!
The Stepping Stones Group
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NEW
Call for Proposals: 2026 CASE Academy of Law and Leadership
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ONGOING:
Help Us Spread the Word
If you know non-licensed special education teachers, paraprofessionals, or others interested in becoming licensed special education teachers, please share this opportunity with them.This recruitment event is designed to connect future teacher candidates with special education preparation programs and provide clear pathways toward licensure.
Your Path to Special Education Starts Here: Join Our Recruitment Event
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Current non-licensed special education teachers working in schools who want to pursue licensure.
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Paraprofessionals or support staff interested in becoming licensed special education teachers.
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Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in another field who want to transition into special education teaching.
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Teacher candidates seeking licensure through special education preparation programs.
Date: October 21, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Online (Join from anywhere!)
For more information, visit: https://secure.smore.com/n/femt6
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CASE/CEC Open Resources:
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Helpful Links
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Click the button above to submit your news and/or job openings! Also, please whitelist info@mnase.org and laurie.pumper@mnase.org to ensure that you receive your newsletter without interruption.
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