The MSBA Leader Newsletter: November 2023
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2024 MSBA Leadership Conference
“Innovative Leadership: Preparing Students for Success” is the theme for the 2024 MSBA Leadership Conference — register for the event, reserve hotel room today!
The MSBA Leadership Conference — “Innovative Leadership: Preparing Students for Success” — is scheduled for Thursday, January 11, and Friday, January 12, 2024, at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
The Leadership Conference features nationally recognized speakers (see next item below), workshops on a variety of topics, an Exhibit Hall, a School Excellence Showcase, a Recognition Luncheon, and much more! Scroll down to the “MSBA Workshops” section of this newsletter for additional learning opportunities during the conference.
Board members: Please ask your school district office to register you in advance for the conference and to book your hotel room. Visit the MSBA website for more information.
Conference keynote speakers: Hadi Partovi and Ben Rudrud
The 2024 MSBA Leadership Conference will feature two dynamic keynote speakers in the Main Auditorium of the Minneapolis Convention Center.
- Hadi Partovi (pictured left above) will present “Computer Science and AI: Opportunity and Creativity” during the Opening Session on Thursday, January 11.
- Ben Rudrud (pictured right above) will deliver “Positive Relationships and the Power of One” during the Closing Session on Friday, January 12.
Visit the MSBA website to learn more about our 2024 keynote speakers.
Leadership Conference Early Bird Session: “Cyber Threat Awareness and Creative Strategies for Managing Risk”
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, January 10, 2024 (Minneapolis Convention Center — during Leadership Conference week)
Mark Lanterman, Chief Technology Officer of Computer Forensic Services, will discuss latest trends in our cyber landscape including topics such as the Dark Web, doxxing, ransomware, and the role of the human element in making or breaking a strong security culture during his “Cyber Threat Awareness and Creative Strategies for Managing Risk” Early Bird Session. Mark will also provide practical suggestions for improving cybersecurity postures with proactive and reactive strategies.
Visit the MSBA website for more information. All registrations should be coordinated through your school district office.
Leadership Conference Recognition Luncheon; check the MSBA Honor Roll list to see if you or your district will be receiving an award
11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, January 11, 2024 (Minneapolis Convention Center)
During the Leadership Conference Recognition Luncheon, many board members will receive acknowledgement for qualifying in at least one of MSBA’s award categories: Service Awards, Directors’ Award, President’s Award, or Leadership Development Certificate. Leadership Development Certificates and Directors’ Awards will be distributed by mail, but the Service Awards and President’s Awards will be handed out at the Recognition Luncheon.
MSBA Honor Roll: Find out if you are receiving an award at the Recognition Luncheon by viewing the MSBA Honor Roll list. If your name is not listed among the award categories and you think it should be, please contact Jackie Fahey at jfahey@mnmsba.org.
Visit the MSBA website for more information. If you plan to attend the luncheon, all registrations should be coordinated through your school district office.
Advocacy
MSBA Delegates: Pre-Delegate Assembly meetings get underway in November
MSBA Delegates, please save the date for one of the virtual Pre-Delegate Assembly Meetings scheduled for November. The purpose of the Pre-Delegate Assembly Meetings is to review each individual resolution — discussing the background information and the MSBA Board’s recommendation. Please visit the MSBA website to view your meeting options. Delegates, look for an email message from MSBA in your inbox with Zoom information on Tuesday, November 7.
MSBA Workshops
Learn about the role of the school board through Learning to Lead — School Board Basics: Phase I Workshop
Learning to Lead — School Board Basics: Phase I is for newly elected or appointed school board members (as well as a good refresher course for veteran board members). Phase I covers the role of the school board, the role of the superintendent, the leadership team relationship, and common scenarios facing new board members.
Virtual session options:
- 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, November 30, 2023 — Registration closes November 17, 2023
- 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, December 6, 2023 — Registration closes November 30, 2023
- 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, December 8, 2023 — Registration closes November 30, 2023
In-person session option (during Leadership Conference week):
- 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, January 9, 2024 (Hyatt Regency Minneapolis) — Registration closes December 29, 2023
Visit the MSBA website for more information. All registrations should be coordinated through your school district office.
Learn about school finance via the Leadership Foundations — School Finance and Management: Phase II Workshop
Leadership Foundations — School Finance and Management: Phase II covers core topics such as the budget, school finance, local levies, policies, significant laws affecting school boards, collective bargaining, and personnel issues.
Two-part virtual session option:
- Part A: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, December 13, 2023
- Part B: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, December 20, 2023
- Registration closes December 6, 2023
In-person session option (during Leadership Conference week):
- 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, January 10, 2024 (Hyatt Regency Minneapolis) — Registration closes December 29, 2023
Visit the MSBA website for more information. All registrations should be coordinated through your school district office.
Learn how to navigate school board dynamics with the Building a High-Performance School Board Team: Phase III Workshop
Building a High-Performance School Board Team: Phase III focuses on the stages of board development, characteristics of a high-performing school board team, navigating board dynamics, small-group interactions with school board video scenarios, and an overview of the MSBA School Board Self-Evaluation tool.
In-person session option (during Leadership Conference week):
- 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, January 10, 2024 (Hyatt Regency Minneapolis) — Registration closes December 29, 2023
Visit the MSBA website for more information. All registrations should be coordinated through your school district office.
MSBA Webinars
Coffee & Conversation: 8 a.m. Tuesday, November 7
The virtual Coffee & Conversation meetings are led by MSBA Executive Director Kirk Schneidawind and MSBA staff. Listening to and talking with your school board colleagues is the purpose of this series. The next Coffee & Conversation meeting is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday, November 7. MSBA school board members, look for an email invitation in your inbox. The Coffee & Conversation series is sponsored by PFM Asset Management.
MSBA Third Thursday Webinar Series: “Navigating Negotiations: November Update” — 1 p.m. Thursday, November 16
MSBA staff will give an update on the status of labor negotiations during the “Navigating Negotiations: November Update” webinar at 1 p.m. Thursday, November 16. Join the webinar to get important reminders, hear about common obstacles during this cycle of bargaining, and add a tool or two to your negotiations toolbox.
- Zoom meeting link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85289649867
- Zoom meeting ID: 852 8964 9867
Last month’s webinar: Visit https://youtu.be/pSkpRT567UE to watch a recording of the “Getting Ready for the Election – and After the Election” webinar presented on October 19. (Click here to access the presentation slides.)
The Third Thursday Webinar Series is sponsored by Ehlers, Eide Bailly, InGensa, Sourcewell, and Widseth.
Board Chair Chat: 8 a.m. Wednesday, December 6
The Board Chair Chat conversations center around the board chair’s roles and responsibilities. While focusing on the board chair, these conversations will be open to superintendents and all school board members — those who may want to assume the board chair role in the future and those who simply want to learn how they can further support their current board chair. The next Board Chair Chat meeting is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesday, December 6. School board chairs, look for an email invitation in your inbox on December 5.
MSBAIT Matters
Best practices for slip, trip, and fall prevention
By RAS (Risk Administration Services, Inc.)
RAS is a Participating Insurer in the MSBAIT Risk Protection Program. Visit the RAS website at https://rascompanies.com.
As we all know, snow has now recently fallen again this year – and across a wide part of Minnesota! So, our school districts are now getting back into our more common slip, trip, and fall (no pun intended) months. Even though we probably can’t really change some weather-related slip, trip, and fall exposures, let’s resolve not to be passive or complacent. After all, slips, trips, and falls are the primary cause of lost days from work and are also the second leading cause of accidental death and disability after automobile accidents. And, these claims continue to cost employers, employees, and workers’ compensation insurers hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
Ladder safety tips in cold weather
By EMC Insurance
EMC Insurance is a Participating Insurer in the MSBAIT Risk Protection Program. Visit the EMC website at https://www.emcins.com.
Ladder safety tips are essential year round for school districts, but they become particularly crucial during the winter months. Cold weather introduces unique challenges, including slippery surfaces and bulky clothing. According to a report from the Consumer Public Safety Commission, more than 90,000 people receive emergency room treatment for ladder-related injuries every year – and a majority of those injuries are caused by failure to take precautions when using a ladder during the winter months.
Consortium of State School Boards Association (COSSBA)
2024 COSSBA Conference set for February 22-25 in Dallas
Registration is open for the 2024 Consortium of State School Boards Associations (COSSBA) Annual Conference. The conference will be held February 22-25, 2024, at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. Visit the COSSBA website to access conference registration and to book your hotel accommodations.
Recording available for COSSBA’s “Empowering Rural Education” webinar
A recording is available for the latest installment of the COSSBA Urban Boards Alliance Webinar Series. Visit the COSSBA website to watch “Empowering Rural Education” (which was originally presented on Wednesday, October 18).
COSSBA Federal Reports available for MSBA members
As a benefit of MSBA’s membership with COSSBA, MSBA members can access the latest editions of the COSSBA Education Report and the COSSBA Court Report on the MSBA website.
Resources and Updates
MSDLAF+ Board of Trustees: Bittman, Onyango-Robshaw, Nelis re-elected as officers; Sohoni elected as new trustee
Elk River Area Superintendent Dr. Dan Bittman (vice chair), Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Coordinator of Finance Christopher Onyango-Robshaw (chair), and Cloquet Business Manager Candace Nelis (treasurer) — pictured above with MSBA Executive Kirk Schneidawind (secretary) — were re-elected as officers of the Minnesota School District Liquid Asset Fund Plus (MSDLAF+) Board of Trustees on October 31 in Bloomington. Also, Wayzata School Board member and MSBA Board Director Milind Sohoni (not pictured) was elected to the MSDLAF+ Board. MSDLAF+ was established for the purpose of allowing Minnesota public school districts to pool their investment funds to seek the highest possible investment yield, while maintaining liquidity and preserving capital. Visit the MSDLAF+ website for more information.
All employers must now use latest version of Form I-9 for Employment Eligibility Verification
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has published a revised Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification (08/01/2023 edition date) — all employers must now be using this form.
Also, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has provided information regarding E-Verify and the option for employers to remotely examine employee’s identity and employment authorization documents. Additional information regarding the revised Form I-9, E-Verify, and Form I-9 employer training webinars are available through the following weblinks:
- USCIS Employment Eligibility Verification
- USCIS I-9 Central
- E-Verify Homepage
- USCIS Employment Eligibility Webinars
Comment period closing on Tuesday, November 7, for proposed rule to update the Executive, Administrative, and Professional Regulation
The U.S. Department of Labor is requesting comments on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales, and Computer Employees, available on its website.
Specifically, the department’s proposed rule would:
- Increase the FLSA regulations’ standard salary level from $684 per week ($35,568 per year) to $1,059 per week ($55,068 per year).
- Increase the total annual compensation requirement for highly compensated employees from $107,432 per year to $143,988 per year.
- Restore overtime protections for U.S. territories, ensuring workers in those territories where the FLSA minimum wage applies have the same overtime protections as other U.S. workers.
- Automatically update earnings thresholds every three years so they keep pace with changes in worker salaries, ensuring that employers could adapt more easily because they would know when salary updates would happen and how they would be calculated.
The department invites the public to comment on this NPRM. The NPRM’s 60-day comment period closes at 10:59 p.m. CT on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. Visit the Federal Register website for more information.
MSHSL grants available for activity fees, leadership/sportsmanship
MSHSL Foundation Form A and Form B grant opportunities are available for the 2023-2024 school year. All MSHSL member schools are encouraged to complete submissions for these grant dollars to assist students by reducing their activity fees and to provide educational experiences in the areas of leadership, sportsmanship, and health and safety. The submission deadline is Wednesday, November 15, 2023. Visit the MSHSL Foundation webpage for more information.
Access “Student Success for All” resources on MSBA website
MSBA has sought out experts in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) field to provide expertise and guidance to our members. MSBA’s DEI providers are Kinect Education Group, Stanton Adams Consulting and the Diversity Institute, and the YWCA Minneapolis. MSBA understands that each school district is unique and may have already started work around DEI or needs help getting started — or is somewhere in-between. MSBA invites your school leaders to reach out to these organizations to find the best fit for your school district. Visit the MSBA website to access Student Success for All resources from MSBA’s approved providers.
Rebates available through Clean School Bus Program
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021 authorizes EPA to offer rebates to replace existing school buses with clean and zero-emission (ZE) models. The 2023 Clean School Bus (CSB) Rebates process includes SAM.gov account registration, rebate application submission, review and selection by EPA, selectees will then submit purchase orders to request payment and then receive payment, which is followed by new bus delivery, existing bus replacement, and project close out. Visit the EPA website for complete information.
Other Workshops and Events
BoardBook: Simplify preparation and improve efficiencies for board meetings
Webinars: 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 14, and 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 28
Join BoardBook for a live 30-minute informational webinar to learn how to reduce the time, money, and stress associated with board meeting preparation. Visit the BoardBook website to sign up for a free webinar. BoardBook is an MSBA-endorsed product.
Minnesota Department of Health: School Indoor Air Quality Training
Webinar: 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, November 14, 2023
The Minnesota Department of Health’s School Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Training will cover the state’s best practices for school indoor air quality (IAQ) management plans. Visit the MDH website for registration information.
Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB): Information Sessions
Webinars: 1 p.m. Thursday, November 16, and 1 p.m. Thursday, December 14, 2023
Join the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) for one or more of their information sessions. During the sessions PELSB will address common questions about licensure and permissions, share resources, and answer questions from attendees. Register for one of the remaining sessions via WebEx: 1 p.m. Thursday, November 16 (register here) or and 1 p.m. Thursday, December 14 (register here).
The Future of Work: Adapting to a Changing Landscape in Minnesota Schools
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, December 4, 2023
Save the date: MSBA and its education partners are hosting “The Future of Work: Adapting to a Changing Landscape” on Monday, December 4, in Waite Park. Please click here for more information about this symposium.
Job Openings
Visit the MSBA Job Openings webpage to access application information for these listings.
Principals
Nicollet Public School — Part-Time K-8 Elementary Principal (Application deadline: Open until filled)
Other Administrators
Elk River Area School District — Educational Services Specialist (Application deadline: Open until filled)
Elk River Area School District — Finance Specialist (Application deadline: Open until filled)
Minneapolis Public Schools — Director of Compliance for Records Management (Application deadline: Open until filled)
Pipestone Area Schools — Director of Curriculum (Application deadline: Open until filled)
Tri-City United Public Schools — Director of Teaching and Learning (Application deadline: November 30, 2023)
In Memory
Robert “Bob” Sandt — a former Lake Crystal School Board member — died October 16, 2023.
MSBA offers its condolences to Robert’s respective family, friends, and colleagues.
About the Leader Newsletter
The Leader Newsletter is published as a member service by the Minnesota School Boards Association, 1900 West Jefferson Avenue, St. Peter, MN 56082. The Leader is edited by Bruce Lombard (blombard@mnmsba.org), the MSBA Associate Director of Communications.
The contents of this newsletter are provided for informational use only and are not to be construed as legal advice. If you need legal advice, consult your attorney.