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| Jump to each section of this newsletter by clicking the links below. |
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From the Executive Director, Erin Toninato:
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 Good News for Minnesota Schools on PSF Amendment
Is anyone else glad Election Day, and all those campaign commercials, are behind us? I know I am! Election results can bring a range of reactions, but our shared commitment to students remains. I was happy to see that the Permanent School Fund amendment passed. That is good news for Minnesota schools and the students we serve.
The campaigns may be over, but our shared work continues. That work happens here in Minnesota and at the national level. Next week, I am heading to the CASE Conference, and I am happy that in addition to the MASE President and CASE Liaison, several other MASE members will also attend. I look forward to our time together, learning and bringing new ideas home to Minnesota.
We are also preparing for our MASE Annual Meeting on Friday, November 20, at noon. I hope you will join us to hear what MASE has been working on and what lies ahead.
For now, I hope November brings a few quiet moments before the holiday season picks up speed.
As always...thanks for all you do!
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✨ MASE Glimmer ✨
An elementary music teacher was leading a small group music class for some students who have difficulties participating with the large general education class. She consistently used affirmative attention by pointing out all the students' positive behaviors that were following her expectations. She found music and movement activities that met the students' interests and areas of strength. The staff who were there to support the students excitedly modeled the activities and expectations so that the students felt comfortable participating. After class, I chatted with the teacher and shared that I was so impressed by how she adapted her curriculum to meet the students' needs and that it was apparent that they were learning and enjoying the activities! The teacher shared that this class is the bright spot in her day!
– Rachel Boyack, Meeker and Wright Special Education Cooperative
✨ 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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Thanks to Our Platinum Business Partners!
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Everway
Goalbook
Indigo Education
Infinitec
Kennedy & Graven
Kraus-Anderson
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Next Level Speech Therapy
Sourcewell
SpEd Forms
Strategic Behavioral Solutions
Strategic Staffing Solutions
Work Life Ready
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Individual UMPI Numbers for Paraprofessionals: Update
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MASE continues to raise concerns about individual UMPI numbers for paraprofessionals and the additional enrollment, tracking, and updating this would place on districts. We know your plates are already full, and these requirements would add a significant administrative burden. A MDE workgroup is in place to address these questions and concerns, with two members representing MASE. We’ll keep you informed as that work moves forward, with an emphasis on clear guidance, a manageable process, and protecting the third-party billing funds that districts rely on to support students.
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Election Update from Lobbyist Valerie Dosland
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DFL Wins a Trifecta
The DFL will control the Governor's office, the Senate, and the House—the party's second trifecta in four years. Final totals won't be known until official results are in, but here’s what we know so far.
Constitutional Officers
Sen. Amy Klobuchar and former Fergus Falls Mayor Ben Schierer were elected Governor and Lt. Governor with 55.47% of the vote. Klobuchar becomes Minnesota's first female governor, and Schierer is the state's first male Lt. Governor since 1983. Klobuchar will be sworn in on Monday, January 4, at noon.
DFLers Secretary of State Steve Simon (54.7%) and Attorney General Keith Ellison (54.3%) both won reelection, and Zach Filipovich won the open State Auditor seat with 52.94% of the vote.
Legislature
All 201 seats were on the ballot, with 43 incumbents not seeking reelection. Heading into the election, the DFL held a one-seat Senate majority (34 to 33), and the House was tied 67 to 67.
As of Wednesday morning, the Senate DFL increased its majority and is projected to hold 39 seats to 28 seats held by Republicans. Two races are close enough to trigger automatic recounts. The House DFL picked up at least 10 seats and is projected to hold a 77-57 majority. One race is headed to an automatic recount.
Newly elected and returning legislators will be sworn in at noon on Tuesday, January 12, 2027.
What's Next
In the coming weeks, the caucuses will elect leaders, who will then set up committee structure, name committee chairs, and make committee assignments. Governor-elect Klobuchar will begin building her cabinet and staff. The dust won't fully settle until session begins.
Permanent School Fund Constitutional Amendment
Minnesota voters approved the Permanent School Fund constitutional amendment, which raises the share of the fund that goes to school districts each year. The measure passed with almost 73% of the vote, and more than 2 million Minnesotans voted yes.
Next Steps for MASE Members
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MASE Member Spotlight: Angie Young
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District: Minnesota Valley Cooperative Center
Favorite Indoor Hobby: Reading or rewatching my comfort shows (The Office, Friends, and Law and Order: SVU)
Favorite Outdoor Hobby: Hiking or golfing
Dream Vacation Destination: Norway
Best Habit: Using a prioritized to-do list
Favorite Part about Being a MASE Member: Best Practices Conference, Slice Sessions, and all of the resources available on the website!
Go-To Coffee or Tea Order: March-October: Hot or Iced Crafted Press from Caribou Coffee, November-February: Hot Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks
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You Could Be Featured in Our Member Spotlight, too!
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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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MDE Ed-Fi Updates, November 2 | Read more
MDE Special Education Updates, November 6 | Read more
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DHS Seeks Proposals for School-Based Services Implementation, Enhancement, and Expansion of Medicaid & CHIP Mental Health Services
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MASA’s LGBTQ+ Leadership Group Welcomes You!
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MASA has an LGBTQ+ Leadership Group facilitated by Dr. Teri Staloch, Superintendent of Robbinsdale Area Schools. The goal of the group is to provide a confidential, supportive space for LGBTQ+ school administrators to connect, share their unique experiences, and engage in meaningful discussions. The affinity group sessions will not be recorded.
The group welcomes MASA, MASE, and non-members who identify as LGBTQ+ to participate in these virtual sessions! Sessions are monthly from 1-2 p.m.
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Wednesday, November 25, 2026
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December (No Meeting)
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Wednesday, January 27, 2027
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Wednesday, February 24, 2027
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Wednesday, March 31, 2027
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Wednesday, April 28, 2027
If you would like to join, reach out to Dave Christians at dave.christians@mnasa.org.
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December 1, 2026, Federal Child Count
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The special education child count data reporting process through the Minnesota Automated Reporting Student System (MARSS) has been completed for the October 15, 2026, reporting deadline. Students included in child count must be reported on MARSS with a Special Education Evaluation Status (SEES) of 4 or 6. Refer to the MARSS Reference Guide for definitions of the SEES. Report 13 has been posted to the website and can be accessed at the following location:
Data Center > Data Reports and Analytics > Minnesota Funding Reports (MFR)
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State Fiscal Year 2027 Deductions for State Services for the Blind
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The SSB spreadsheet is now posted to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) website. Select the following from each drop-down menu: Category: Special Education; Subcategory: State Services for the Blind; Year: 2027. Click List files, then the xlsx icon under Data Files. The spreadsheet shows districts that, on their Federal Special Education Application Cover Sheet for SFY 2027, authorized MDE to withhold funds for SSB. This agreement with SSB runs through June 30, 2027. The purpose of these funds is to provide braille textbooks/materials and audiotape materials to districts participating under this agreement for students requiring these materials as part of their education.
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Order Your MASE Gear Now!
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MASE offers a variety of T-shirts, polos, sweatshirts, and other merchandise. Show your MASE spirit at our events! Merchandise will be shipped directly to you. Here are just a few of the options available with cooler weather in mind:
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Having Trouble Logging in?
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If you are having trouble logging into the MASE website, please don’t create a new record. Contact the MASE office, and we should be able to get you back in within 24 to 48 hours (not counting weekends or holidays).
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Thanks to Our Gold Business Partner!
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Ratwick, Roszak & Maloney
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CASE Updates from Melissa Schaller
The CASE Collective: Election Results
On Thursday, Nov. 5, Abe Saffer, Director of Government Relations for CASE, held a special CASE Collective unpacking the midterm election’s early results. Here are some highlights:
Federal Results:
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The House will have a Democratic majority with ~253 seats (plus or minus 4).
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The Senate will also have a Democratic majority. Right now they hold 54 seats and at this time, Mississippi and Alaska are not decided.
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Interestingly, Mississippi does not have a recount process and if a Democrat is elected to the Senate, it will be the first time since 1989.
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It is expected to take up to one month for Alaska to count all their votes due to the remoteness of the state.
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Another note, 60 votes are needed in the Senate on an issue to avoid a filibuster.
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There will be 116-118 freshman legislators with 99 in the House and 17-19 in the Senate.
State Results:
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Across the nation, 36 governors and 6,139 legislative seats were up for election. Additionally, there are 20 (up from 16) Democratic trifectas (governor, house, and senate) across the nation with two states to be determined. It’s the biggest swing since Watergate.
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There are 21 new governors in our nation.
What could we expect as a result of the election?
Federally:
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Repairs to the Department of Education
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Reauthorization of IDEA
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Increase in education funding
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Action regarding education workforce programs
In States:
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Increases in education funding
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Increases in staff to support State Education Agencies
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Access to MA reimbursements
If you attend the CASE Collective or any of Abe's presentations, he includes a number of quotes. Two were especially meaningful to me:
What do you do now?
Check out the CASE Legislative Action Center at casecec.org/action-center. You must be logged in.
Contact your legislators!
Share your stories! The CASE office is collecting membership testimonials. Please fill out the form and forward it to three of your CASE friends, asking them to do the same.
Also don't forget to register and attend Abraham Thinking. Abe Saffer, Director of Governmental Relations for CASE, continues to host Abraham Thinking on the second Tuesday of each month from 4-5pm CST. The purpose of these sessions is to keep you up-to-date on policy and politics in Washington, D.C., and around the country, provide an opportunity to ask policy and legislative questions you may have, and to share what is happening with CASE. Register on the CASE website.
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Submit a Proposal for the MASA Spring Conference
The 2027 MASA Spring Conference Call for Proposals is now open! MASA invites you to share your expertise by submitting a proposal for a 60-minute breakout session at the MASA conference, March 18–19, 2027, at the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest in Brooklyn Park.
The theme, “Grow. Renew. Lead Forward,” focuses on three areas of educational leadership:
Grow: Building capacity in your systems, your staff, and yourself.
Renew: Restoring energy and reimagining what's possible.
Lead Forward: Setting the vision for the year ahead.
MASA encourages proposals featuring practical strategies, innovative approaches, and real-world experiences that Minnesota's educational leaders can apply in their districts.
Important Dates:
Proposal Deadline: Friday, December 11, 2026
Applicant Notifications: By Friday, January 8, 2027
Submit Your Proposal Here!
All proposals will be reviewed by the MASA Executive Development Committee. Selected presenters will receive complimentary conference registration for the day of their presentation. Additional details, including selection criteria and presenter expectations, are available on the MASA Spring Conference website.
Thank you for considering sharing your knowledge and experiences with Minnesota's educational leadership community! Questions? Contact Taylor Ethen at taylor.ethen@mnasa.org.
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Sign Up for Free CAREI Webinar on MTSS Math
Tuesday, November 10 | Noon-1 p.m. | Zoom
The Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) at the University of Minnesota will present “MTSS Math Webinar Series: Part 2 - Strengthening Tier 1 Mathematics Instruction.” Learn practical approaches to evaluate Tier 1 instruction, support educators, and drive student outcomes.
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Invite Legislators to See Your Setting IV Program Before Session
Seclusion has drawn growing attention at the Capitol, including through a 2025 interim working group that MASE took part in. While the group's recommendations did not advance, this issue is likely to return in 2027—and depending on the outcome of the November election, advocates pushing for a ban could find new momentum. Most legislators have limited firsthand knowledge of how seclusion is used, why it exists as a safety tool, and what state law already requires of districts. The weeks between the election and the start of session (January 12) are the best time to change that.
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MASE Member Survey: Deadline in One Week!
The MASE Membership Committee encourages you to let us know about your experience as a member of our association. What do you find valuable about MASE? How could we improve? The survey can take as little as 2 minutes and up to 10 minutes. Your feedback will help our committee to provide the best possible benefits for all our members. Please respond by November 13!
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SLICE of Collaboration: High-Leverage Practices Systemic Use
November 17 | Noon-1 p.m.
Join us at Noon on Tuesday, Nov. 17 for a SLICE of Collaboration! The topic for this session will be related to High-Leverage Practices systemic use, with presenter Nicole Woodward, MASE Legislative Committee Tri-chair and Executive Director at St. Croix River Ed. District. Watch for additional information soon!
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Additional SLICE Webinars Open for Registration
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Tuesday, December 1: SEDRA Unraveled, with presenter Deanna Gronseth from Hastings Public Schools
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Tuesday, December 15: Educational Implications When a Student Is Diagnosed with Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV), with presenter Jess Moen, Statewide Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Specialist with BrightWorks
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Tuesday, January 5: Legislative READ Act Working Group for Students Who are Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing, with presenter Kayna Plaisted, Facilitator-READ Act Working Group for Students Who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing
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Tuesday, January 19: IEP Team Guidance when Considering Developmental Cognitive Disability (DCD), Severely Multiply Impaired (SMI) and DeafBlind, with presenter Ann Mayes, Statewide DeafBlind Specialist with BrightWorks
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MASE Annual Meeting
Friday, November 20 | Noon-1 p.m. | Webinar
Learn what MASE has been working on in the past year—and what our priorities are for the year ahead in this one-hour webinar. We also expect to vote on a minor change in the MASE Bylaws; additional information will be provided soon. This event is open to members and non-members at no cost.
We will vote on a proposed bylaws change as part of this event.
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MASE Day at the Capitol
February 24, 2027 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Special education administrators and leaders from across Minnesota are invited to attend MASE’s 2027 Day at the Capitol in St. Paul. With legislators making important budget and policy decisions in 2027, it is especially important for special education leaders to have a strong presence at the Capitol. This is an opportunity to educate and connect directly with state legislators about the funding, policies, and legislative proposals that affect special education programs, staffing, services, and the students and families that MASE members serve.
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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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MASE Award Nominations Are Open Now!
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Each year, MASE provides an opportunity to recognize outstanding members who are dedicated leaders and advocates for children and education communities across the state. We encourage you to consider nominating yourself or a colleague for recognition. Nominate someone who reflects the qualities of a leader committed to education and who is an exemplary representative of MASE. Please remember that anyone can nominate for MASE awards—but the nominees must be current MASE members (except for the Distinguished Service Award). Please feel free to share award nomination information with your staff and community. Information about each of the awards is linked below:
MASE Award candidates may be self-nominated or nominated by someone else.
Nomination Deadline is December 31, 2026.
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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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