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MASE in Your Mailbox - July 11, 2025

Date postedJuly 11, 2025
MASE News,
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Standing Strong for Students—Even Amid Uncertainty

Happy July to you all!

I hope this message finds you enjoying a bit of summer sunshine and the chance to catch your breath. As always, I’m grateful for your continued leadership and commitment to the students and communities you serve.

As you know, the “Big Beautiful Bill” has officially been signed into law. While it includes sweeping reforms and significant investments in education, it also brings a fair share of uncertainty—especially for those of us working in the world of special education. There are concerns about how certain elements of the bill will be interpreted, resourced, and implemented in the months (and years) ahead.

We know that you’re already fielding questions from colleagues, staff, and community members. While we don’t have all the answers, please know that tracking developments closely, elevating your voices in the process, and staying laser-focused on ensuring students with disabilities continue to receive the services and support they deserve, is a priority.

This next week, I’m attending the Special Education Legislative Summit (SELS) in Washington, D.C., along with Amy Ernst, MASE President; Nicole Bolduan, MASE President-Elect; Melissa Schaller, MASE Liaison to CASE; and Christian Wernau, CEC Representative. As you know, our very own MASE leader Cherie Johnson is the CASE Policy and Legislative Chair, so she will be there with additional insight and will be instrumental in guiding our voices. We will join a dedicated group of leaders from across the country. We’ll be on the Hill meeting with members of Congress and staffers to share what’s happening in our schools, advocate for full funding of IDEA, and amplify the real impact that federal policy has on our students and systems. Our collective stories matter—and we plan to make sure they’re heard.

We’ll continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available. In the meantime, if you have questions or insights to share, please reach out. As always, MASE is here to support you—because no matter the challenges, our commitment to students never wavers.

Wishing you a restful week and a little extra time to recharge before August arrives.

As always, thanks for all you do!

Items for your information

New:

  • MASE Membership Renewal Information! Membership renewal will be a bit delayed this year as we continue our transition to new contracted support staff and a new association management system. If you are a joint MASE/MASA member, you should already have received your renewal information and we encourage you to renew as soon as possible. If you are a MASE only member, please look for your renewal information to arrive by August 1. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out; staff are all happy to assist!
  • MASE Staff Summer Hours! Through August 29, many members of the MASE staff take some time off on Fridays starting at 1 pm. If you need immediate assistance during those times, you can contact Executive Director Erin Toninato at erin.toninato@mnase.org or by cell 507-822-0877 -or- Laurie Pumper at laurie.pumper@mnase.org or 651-290-6273. The new MASE phone line, 651-299-0502, will be answered on Friday afternoons, as will our general contact email, info@mnase.org.
  • MDE: Special Education Updates: July 11, 2025 | Read it here.
  • MDE: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Personnel Support Qualification Requirements for Paraprofessionals Serving in Special Education Programs, July 3, 2025 | Download it here!

Ongoing:

  • MDE: Special Education Updates: July 3, 2025 | Read it here.

  • MDE Special Education Updates: June 27, 2025 | Read it here.

Actions for you to do

New:

  • Help Shape the Future of MASE Leadership Development! As MASE begins planning next year’s New Directors Cohort and prepares for the return of the Finance Academy, we’re seeking input from current leaders like you. What do you believe future colleagues need to know and experience to be best prepared for the director role? While we understand that nothing can fully prepare someone for the complexities of directorship, your insights will help us create the most meaningful and supportive experience possible. Share your feedback here: https://forms.gle/Vp8ys314MnkEeZar5.

Ongoing:

  • Join MSSWA for the 2025 MH-SpEd Training on August 11–12 at the Valley View Education Center in Eden Prairie, MN. This two-day training offers essential knowledge on Medicaid Third-Party Billing, ethical documentation, IEP alignment, and sustainable mental health-special education practices. Space is limited to 200 participants, and registration closes July 7, 2025, at 5 p.m. Click here to register and learn more.
  • MDE Special Education Funding Training Webinars July – October 2025 | Full info here!
  • CASE Special Education Leadership Institute - Cohort 2: Applications are open! The Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) recognizes the nationwide concern over the shortage of educational leaders specifically trained to supervise special education programs. As the Voice of Special Education Leadership across the country, CASE is committed to leadership development that will continue to drive the profession forward. Based upon the core values at the heart of CASE, the Leadership Institute provides an opportunity for current and future educational leaders to strengthen their foundation in the components related to the administration of special education programs. For more information and to apply: https://www.casecec.org/special-education-leadership-institute.

Information to share with others

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