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From the Executive Director,
Erin Toninato:
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Thinking about Our Future, Together
This week, MASE and MASA Board members gathered for our annual retreat. It is always a valuable opportunity to step away from our day-to-day responsibilities, spend time learning together, and think about the future of our organizations and the members we serve.
One of the sessions that generated a lot of conversation focused on the journey from Good to Great to Elite. The message was simple but powerful: excellence doesn't happen all at once. It is built through continuous improvement, strong relationships, and a commitment to getting a little better every day.
The retreat also marked a time of transition for the MASE Board. We welcomed new Board members who have stepped forward to serve and share their leadership, while also thanking those whose terms have come to an end. Board service requires a significant commitment of time and energy, and I am grateful to each person who has helped guide MASE's work.
If you have ever considered becoming more involved in MASE, I encourage you to think about future leadership opportunities. Our organization is strongest when members are willing to share their voices, perspectives, and experiences. Joining is as easy as updating your profile in the Member Compass!
As I listened to the conversations throughout the retreat, I was reminded once again how fortunate we are to have leaders who are always looking for ways to learn, grow, and improve. That commitment continues to make a difference for students, staff, and families across Minnesota.
As always...thank you for all you do.
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✨ MASE Glimmer ✨
Almost everyone who attended this year’s Board Retreat is shown in the photo! Seated (left to right): Taylor Anderson, Niceta Thomas, Amy Larkin, Tiffany Litman, and Sarah Mittelstadt; Standing (left to right): Robert Dehnert, Samantha Steinman, Saido Abdirashid, Micki Breitsprecher, Steven Jex, Melissa Schaller, Erin Lavery, Billie Jo Steen, Nicole Bolduan, Diane McCarron, Melissa Hanson, Erin Hoffman, Karen Nudell, Cherie Johnson, Michelle Bethke-Kaliher, Ryan Rehnstrand, Amy Ernst, Tish Kalla, Julie Menage, Erin Toninato, Renae Donaghue, and Jennifer Danielson. Tanya Tacker and Nicole Woodward also attended.
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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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District: Austin Public Schools
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Favorite Indoor Hobby: Time with my dog
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Favorite Outdoor Hobby: Pontoon rides with my family
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Dream Vacation Destination: Anything Disney
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Best Habit: Walking or biking each day
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Favorite Part about Being a MASE Member: Collaboration
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Go-To Coffee or Tea Order: Black coffee
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Something Most People Don’t Know about Pam: I started my career in Early Childhood Special Education for 23 years
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In Memory: Stanley Nerhaugen II
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Stanley (Stan) A. Nerhaugen II was a long-time MASE and CASE member who served as President of our association; he passed away on May 30 at age 82. After one year of teaching special education in Park Rapids, Minnesota, Stan and his family moved to Red Wing for his next job in special education. For 31 years, he served as Director of Special Education for Red Wing Public Schools. He was instrumental in “mainstreaming” special ed students into the schools. MASE sends our condolences to Stan’s family and friends; he had a true passion for serving his students and MASE.
Members: Earlier this year, MASE started a page on our website to recognize MASE members and other Special Education leaders who have gone before us. If you know of other MASE leaders who have passed away and should be recognized, please send your suggestions to the MASE office.
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Licensure Compliance Learning Commons
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The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) has launched the Licensure Compliance Learning Commons, a space for learning with and from one another. District staff are the primary audience, but anyone with an interest in licensure compliance is welcome to participate.
The Learning Commons is a series of regularly scheduled, virtual training and working sessions. These one-hour sessions are hosted twice a week on Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings.
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Results of CAREI’s Survey of Special Education Leaders
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Earlier this year, the University of Minnesota’s Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) partnered with MASE to survey special education leaders. The results were recently released.
The results show a strong demand for systems-level MTSS implementation support, workforce solutions, instructional improvement, and practical tools that can be immediately applied in districts.
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Don’t Let a Missing Fee Pause Your Career!
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The school year is winding down, and BOSA want to make sure your license stays active. If your $100 annual BOSA fee for 2025–2026 is still outstanding, your license is at risk of suspension on July 15.
Why it matters: A suspended license legally prevents you from serving in your administrative role. To help you stay on track, a final reminder email will be sent on May 30 (with a copy to your Superintendent).
Important Dates:
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June 15: Deadline to pay and stay off the suspension list.
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June 22: The Board meets to formally approve suspensions for any unpaid fees.
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July 15: Official suspension date for unpaid administrators
Check this off your list today:
Call BOSA at 651-582-8888 or email Karen.Schaub@state.mn.us for any questions. Let’s get this resolved so you can enjoy your summer worry-free!
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CASE Updates from Melissa Schaller
With MASE membership renewals in progress now, we strongly encourage you to keep or add a CEC/CASE Professional Basic Membership as part of your renewal! If the CEC/CASE membership is not included in your invoice, please contact Laurie Pumper at the MASE office to get your record updated; it’s a quick process. Less than half of our Active Members currently have opted in (or out) for CEC/CASE membership—let’s get our numbers up!
Myrna Mandlawitz will be moving away from her role with CASE. We will miss her dearly. If you would like to write a message to her, please do so here. CASE will share these with her in a manner yet to be determined, as they are still in the process of planning how to honor her contributions to the field. Myrna hosted her last “60 Minutes with Myrna” this week. Look for a new iteration of this informative session with Abe Saffer the new Director of Government Relations beginning on June 15.
CASE recently announced that Abe Saffer is the new Director of Government Relations. His career spans more than 20 years and includes work in Congress, the Maryland General Assembly, for-profit and non-profit advocacy, and political campaign management. Most recently, he led federal and state policy advocacy for the American Occupational Therapy Association. Learn more about Abe.
Registration for the Special Education Leadership Summit (SELS) is open. This event takes place July 19–22 in Washington, DC. MASE sends a group (executive director, CASE representative, president, and president-elect) to this event to learn and advocate on federal issues and their impact in Minnesota. We would love to have others join us! If you would like information regarding our travel plans, reach out to me at melissa.schaller@isd917.org and I will send you details. This event fills up quickly, so it is important to register early.
Registration for the CASE Conference is also open. This takes place November 11-13 in Providence, Rhode Island. It would be awesome to have a Minnesota contingent attend. Consider adding this to your calendar. Early bird registration closes on July 15. Check out details on the CASE website.
Also, please go the Action Center on the CASE website. Here’s the latest update for action:
Released on May 2, 2025, the president's proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026 (school year 2026-27) includes a "Special Education Simplified Funding Program" for IDEA. While total funding for IDEA would be maintained at the current level, the budget consolidates all parts of IDEA into one block grant: Part B (K12); Part C (Infants and Toddlers); Preschool; and Part D grants for personnel preparation/development, technical assistance, parent information centers, and technology. These components of the law are designed to work as a continuum of supports and services. Reducing the components of the law to one block grant, without the guarantee that each part would be funded, is a serious disservice to children and youth with disabilities, their families, and the educators who serve them.
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CANCELLED: SLICE of Collaboration Session on June 16
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The SLICE webinar that was scheduled for Tuesday, June 16 has been cancelled. Our presenters are no longer available on this date. The SLICE Committee is gearing up for the 2026-27 school year. If you are interested in presenting a SLICE session, please let us know.
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Special Education Funding Training Webinars, Through July
Registration is open for several webinars. 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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🎉 MNSELF Funding Is Available — Apply Today!
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Did you know that funds raised at MNSELF events go directly back to YOU? MNSELF is now accepting proposals through our Professional Development Funding RFP—and we want to see your boldest ideas. Think beyond the typical district PD cycle: use funding for AI training to strengthen IEP quality, a book study on A Principal's Guide to Special Education, executive coaching, data literacy intensives, or legal fluency workshops. If it builds your leadership skills, we want to support it. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and reimbursement is issued after your final report is approved. Visit the MNSELF Website to access the RFP and submit your proposal—your next breakthrough in leadership development could be one application away!
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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. Thanks to those who have already responded!
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DCYF Invites You to Share Your Story
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Metro Surge
The Governor’s Office is inviting individuals and organizations across Minnesota to share stories about how the Federal Metro Surge has affected their communities. These stories help inform the Governor’s understanding of impacts experienced throughout the state.
Individuals, communities and partners are encouraged to submit their stories directly through the Governor’s Office contact form.
Early Childhood Screening
The state is collecting stories about family experiences with Early Childhood Screening. Stories will help staff learn how to improve access to screening for children and families across the state. Share a screening story.
Early Childhood Family Education
Did Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) make a difference in your life or for a family you know? Share an ECFE story
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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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