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From the Executive Director,
Erin Toninato:
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 Seeing Differently
This past week has really given me something to think about.
Over the course of the last week, I had cataract surgery in both eyes. I could technically see before… but it was blurry. I didn’t fully realize how much until I began the process of correcting it. The clarity is still a work in progress. If you see me over the next six weeks, I’ll be the one sporting rather large prescribed protective eye glasses, from sunup to sundown, as I pursue improved vision—a visible reminder that clarity matters in more ways than one.
During one meeting this week, when my vision wasn’t as clear as I would have liked, I noticed myself leaning in differently. I was listening with more intention. And somewhere in that space, something clicked.
If the only voices we hear are the ones who are unhappy, it can begin to feel like that is the whole story. We know that isn’t true. We see growth. We see dedication. We see progress every single day in our schools.
But the narrative people hear can shape perception.
It made me wonder—how do we help balance that?
What if, when parents share gratitude about services, about progress, about feeling supported, we encourage them to share that perspective more broadly? What if advocacy centers received calls simply saying, “This is working for my child”?
Wouldn’t it be something if they were inundated with positive stories?
Just a quiet thought as we continue doing meaningful, complex work. Maybe part of our work is making sure the full story is told. The clarity we see inside our schools deserves to be heard, too. It’s there. We see it every day. We see your steady leadership.
As always, thanks for all you do...
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✨ Share a Glimmer ✨
Share your “MASE Moments of Awe.” These are the stories—the glimmers—that highlight the beauty and importance of what we do.
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MASE Members Present at Donut Dialogues
On Feb. 27, MASE members Melissa Hanson (MAWSECO), Heidi Nistler (St. Paul), Dave Haveman (NE Metro 916), and Janet Fimmen (Rosemount, Apple Valley, Eagan) were invited to present at Representative Bianca Virnig's Donut Dialogues.
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It was a wonderful opportunity to provide information regarding special education in Minnesota. The presentation covered essential topics, including special education requirements, the continuum of services, district types, and current celebrations and challenges.
Thank you to our presenters for taking the time to share your expertise and represent MASE.
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Results of Survey on Cost Savings
Last session, the legislature established a Blue Ribbon Commission on Special Education to advise and assist the legislature and governor in transforming special education services.
The purpose of the commission is to develop an action plan for transforming special education services while maintaining a free appropriate public education for students with disabilities by Oct. 1, 2026. Tied to the work of this commission is the expectation to find $250 million in savings or cross-subsidy aid will be reduced by the same amount in the FY28-29 biennium.
To assist the MASE members serving on the commission, MASE sought out your ideas for cost-savings to help guide the MASE members appointed to the committee. Thanks for your ideas!
MASE Blue Ribbon Commission Survey - Key themes.docx
MASE Blue Ribbon Commission Survey - Results.xlsx
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February 2026 Budget Forecast
Minnesota’s budget outlook has improved amid significant near-term economic and fiscal uncertainty.
The FY 2026-27 projected balance is now $3.7 billion, $1.3 billion higher than November estimates. A slightly improved economic outlook drives a higher revenue forecast largely driven by more volatile sources of revenue. Spending growth outpaces revenue growth through projections for FY 2029.
The projected general fund balance for the FY 2028-29 biennium is now $377 million; however a significant structural imbalance remains. Shifting policies at the federal level and missing or incomplete data due to recent federal government shutdowns introduce significant uncertainty to the projections.
*View the full forecast report and supporting documents
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Ed-Fi Updates, February 23 | Read More
MDE Special Education Updates, February 27 | Read more
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CASE Updates from Melissa Schaller
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Look for information, including how to register, in the CASE Member Update on Friday, Feb. 27 regarding the CASE Annual Membership Meeting. This is scheduled for Friday, May 1 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
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If you would like to support the process of reviewing proposals for the CASE Fall Conference, November 11-13 in Providence, Rhode Island, please complete this Google Form to indicate your interest. This process will begin later in March.
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If you are attending the CASE Academy of Law and Leadership, April 21-23 in Atlanta, Georgia, don't forget to sign up for CASE Night on Wednesday, April 22.
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Input Requested
Upcoming evaluation of autism spectrum disorder services in Minnesota’s public schools
From the Office of the Legislative Auditor
The Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) has started an evaluation of autism spectrum disorder services in public schools. Areas of study may include:
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To what extent are appropriate special education services available to students with autism spectrum disorder in Minnesota public schools?
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How well does the Minnesota Department of Education coordinate with and oversee school districts to ensure appropriate services are available and provided?
We are seeking input from stakeholders like you to help us better understand where Minnesota excels and where there are areas for improvement. The information you provide will help us to fine-tune the focus of our evaluation.
To provide input, please complete our online questionnaire by March 30, 2026. We also encourage you to forward this invitation to others who may want to provide feedback on the topic.
OLA is a nonpartisan audit and evaluation office in the legislative branch of Minnesota state government. We evaluate state programs and activities to determine their effectiveness and efficiency. Visit our homepage if you would like more information about OLA.
You may also provide written comments by contacting Caitlin Badger, the manager of this evaluation, at Caitlin.Badger@state.mn.us. Please note that if requested, we will classify as not public the identity of a person who provides input.
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Register Now for MASE Day at the Capitol
Wednesday, March 4 | 8:30-11:30 AM | State Capitol, St. Paul
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Advocacy is a core part of our work as special education leaders and MASE Day at the Capitol on March 4 gives us an opportunity to ensure our voices are heard. Decisions made at the state legislature directly impact students with disabilities, the professionals who serve them, and the systems we lead every day. By meeting with legislators and sharing real-world experiences from our schools and districts, we reinforce the importance of special education in statewide decision-making.
More details will be shared as we get closer, but the current plan is to meet at the State Capitol at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4. Once registered, you’ll receive instructions on how to use our advocacy software to schedule meetings with legislators who represent your school district.
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Download the 2026 MASE Legislative Platform
 The MASE Legislative Committee, working with lobbyist Valerie Dosland, has created our Legislative Platform for this session of the Minnesota Legislature. With Day at the Capitol less than a month away, read the platform so you’re aware of the issues our team will focus on. Key focus areas are fair and sustainable funding (including repeal of the $250 million cut to special education cross-subsidy aid), and flexible and supportive policy—especially pertaining to special educator recruitment and retention as well as safe and secure school environments.
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MDE Special Education Funding Training Webinars, March–April 2026
Registration is open for each of the webinars listed below. To register, simply click on the training date and follow the instructions. Presentation material and information on joining the webinar will be sent to registered participants the day before each training.
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Members, Tell Us about Yourself
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We are bringing back the MASE Member Spotlights! We have some new questions and we’re hoping to hear from some of our members. We will feature Member Spotlights in this newsletter and in our social media posts so that members get to know more about one another.
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Join Us for Our Next SLICE of Collaboration Session: Data Tracking Staffing
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Tuesday, March 3 | 12 p.m.
The topic for our next SLICE webinar is Data Tracking Staffing, with presenters from Area F2. Join us at Noon for informal conversations with your colleagues from across the state. These sessions are open to members only. You'll receive the link to join in your confirmation e-mail. Reminder: You must login to our website to see the registration button for this event.
Reminder: You must login to our website to see the registration button for this event.
You can register for additional SLICE sessions on the MASE website—check our Calendar.
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CEC 2026: Special Education Convention & Expo
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Salt Lake City, Utah | March 11-14
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The 2026 CASE Conference: Call for Proposals
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Providence, Rhode Island | Nov. 11-13
Presentations must be 60 minutes of structured content with embedded time for Q&A, a panel presentation, or an interactive session engaging attendees in a specific activity. Submit by March 16.
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MASA Annual Spring Conference
March 19–20 | Minneapolis Marriott Northwest, Brooklyn Park
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The MASA Spring Conference brings educational leaders from across the state together to share ideas, strengthen connections and inspire action. Centered on the theme Lead. Learn. Connect., the event celebrates our collective effort to guide, support, and create opportunities for every student to thrive.
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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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