wednesday, september 16, 2020 leader · 9/16/2020 · page 3 wednesday, september 16, 2020 ˛e...
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LEADERWednesday, September 16, 2020
Help shape the future of education by participating in the LeaF initiativeBy MSBA sta�
We each have a role in shaping the future of learning. But in an increasingly complex world characterized by rapid change, considering how we might in�uence the future can be di�cult. �at’s why MSBA has joined with the University of St. �omas and KnowledgeWorks for the Leading for the Future (LeaF) Series. LeaF is designed to equip Minnesota school board members with tools and mindsets of futures thinking, which can help them consider multiple possibilities and lead amid uncertainty.
A cohort of 15 to 20 participants from across the state will work together to think critically and creatively about the future and to apply a future-oriented lens to policy development and analysis.
Interested school board members can complete the LeaF application by December 1, with virtual learning sessions beginning in January.
Members will participate in 10 two-hour virtual learning sessions throughout 2021, complete reading, re�ection and brief online discussions.
�e members will also commit to holding conversations with local stakeholders, so the total time commitment will be about four hours a month.
Sta� from KnowledgeWorks and the University of St. �omas will be
Partners in Education for 47+ YearsISGInc.com | Architecture + Engineering + Environmental + Planning
Leading for the Future (LeaF) SeriesVisit https://stthomas.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bxVJA5w7K8RhVGt to acccess an application and more information.
See INITIATIVE, Page 2
Page 2 Wednesday, September 16, 2020
�e 2020 Virtual MSBA Advocacy Tour wraps up 7 p.m. tonight (Wednesday, September 16). �is session is intended for MSBA members from southern Minnesota school districts, but members from other school districts are welcome to attend.
�e Advocacy Tour brings together members to discuss policy and funding issues that are impacting their school districts. During this tour, ideas are generated for MSBA’s legislative agenda.
�e MSBA Government Relations sta� members Denise Dittrich and Kimberley Dunn Lewis will review the 2020 advocacy e�orts and describe the 2021 legislative landscape and issues. MSBA Associate Director of Management Services Ti�any Gustin will cover school management issues.
Visit www.mnmsba.org/AdvocacyTour for more information.
Virtual MSBA Advocacy Tour concludes tonight
Advocacy
MSBA members are encouraged to propose resolutions to the Delegate Assembly for the 2021 legislative session.
Your resolutions are the �rst step to developing the MSBA’s o�cial positions on important educational issues.
Each resolution is researched, vetted and voted on by the membership at the Delegate Assembly. Once adopted, these policies guide the MSBA Government Relations team as they represent you at the Legislature.
Resolutions should cover any education topic of signi�cant statewide concern and address desired legislative outcomes. Resolutions are not legislation.
If you, or your school board, has a suggestion for a resolution, access this Microso� Form link to submit your idea(s) or submit a resolution through a Word document.
Please submit your legislative resolutions no later than Friday, September 25, 2020.
facilitating the sessions.Applicants should be interested in
making change, connecting with other board members and deepening local relationships while supporting policies for student-centered learning.
With the help of futures thinking, we can �nd ways to pursue our visions while grappling with the inherent
uncertainty of the future. Ultimately, exploring the future is an act of stewardship to our future communities and to the young people who will live in them.
For questions about the content of the series, please contact Katie King, Director of Strategic Foresight Engagement at KnowledgeWorks at [email protected].
For questions about the application process or more detail on how the series can bene�t school board members, please contact Lucy Payne, Associate Professor at University of St. �omas and Mahtomedi School Board Chair, at [email protected], or Paula O’Loughlin, MSBA Associate Director of Board Development, at [email protected].
(Continued from Page 1)
INITIATIVE: Applicants should support student-centered learning
Submit legislative resolutions by September 25
Page 3 Wednesday, September 16, 2020
�e MSBA Charter School Board Member Workshop will be held virtually via Zoom the last three Tuesdays in October — October 13, October 20 and October 27 — from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. using a �ipped classroom format. �is workshop o�ers all three state-required training components for charter school board members: Board’s Role and Responsibilities, Financial Matters, and Employment Matters. Visit http://www.mnmsba.org/CharterSchoolBoardTraining to access registration.
MSBA Workshop Series
MSBA Charter School Board Workshop slated for three dates in October
Register today for MSBA’s Building a High-Performance School Board Team: Phase III Workshop and/or the Representing Your Community �rough Policy and Engagement: Phase IV Workshop.
Both workshops will be o�ered virtually in two parts. Given the interactive nature of these workshops, these sessions will not be recorded, nor available to view at a later time.
■ �e Phase III Workshop focuses on characteristics of a high-performing school board team, stages of board development, navigating board dynamics, small-group interactions with school board video scenarios, and the MSBA School Board Self-Evaluation.
■ �e Phase IV Workshop focuses on in-depth discussions and examples of a board member’s role as a policymaker and interactive small-group sessions that walk through an actual community engagement activity. Also, this workshop will have a segment on dealing with the media and public forums.
Virtual Building a High-PerformanceSchool Board Team: Phase III Workshop
Capacity has been reached for the Phase III workshops held on Wednesday, September 30, and Wednesday, October 7. Registration is still open for Saturday, October 3, and Saturday, October 10.
■ PART 1: 6 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Wednesday, September 30, 2020OR 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Saturday, October 3, 2020■ PART 2: 6 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Wednesday, October 7, 2020OR 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Saturday, October 10, 2020■ Registration deadline: September 21■ Information: www.mnmsba.org/Phase-III-Workshop
Virtual Representing Your Community ThroughPolicy and Engagement: Phase IV Workshop
■ PART 1: 6 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Wednesday, October 14, 2020OR 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Saturday, October 17, 2020■ PART 2: 6 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Wednesday, October 21, 2020OR 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Saturday, October 24, 2020■ Registration deadline: October 5■ Information: www.mnmsba.org/Phase-IV-Workshop
Testimonials for Phase III and Phase IVHere are comments from school board members who have attended the Phase III and Phase IV workshops:■ “Phase III was fantastic. I learned so much about how to work with my board.”■ “Who knew policy could be so interesting! Phase IV was amazing!”
Build a strong school board, learn about community engagementPhase III, Phase IV workshops will be o�ered virtually in two parts
Page 4 Wednesday, September 16, 2020
MSBA is seeking workshop or roundtable proposals for the 2021 MSBA Leadership Conference — which is currently scheduled for �ursday, January 14, and Friday, January 15, 2021, at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
Visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/B7SHQMR to access the 2021 MSBA Leadership Conference Call for Presentations Form. Please submit your proposals by Wednesday, September 30, 2020.
As you think about the session you would like to deliver, please keep �exibility top of mind. Depending on the �nal format, the conference may need to adjust the amount of workshops we are able to o�er and/or the method in which they are o�ered. Additionally, the session may be either recorded or streamed as part of a hybrid event.
***All-State School Board and Rising Star award: MSBA is
also accepting nominations for the 2021 All-State School Board and the Rising Star award. Visit the MSBA website to access criteria/nomination forms for both awards. Nominations are due noon Monday, October 19, 2020.
■ All-State School Board nominees must have earned a Leadership Development Certi�cate and have attended at least two Leadership Conferences.
■ �e Rising Star award honors an outstanding school board member who is serving within their �rst four years on a school board (which is a current member of MSBA).
Submit conference workshop proposals by September 30; All-State, Rising Star nominations are due by October 19
2021 Leadership Conference
�e 2020 MSBA All-State School Board
MSBA Webinar Series
“Strategic Planning During Challenging Times”1 p.m. Thursday, September 17, 2020
Presented by Gail GilmanMSBA Director of Strategic
Planning & Board Leadership
Register for this webinar through Zoom today!�e school board’s role is to govern. �e school district’s strategic plan is the board’s visionary road map toward
student achievement. How does the board utilize their strategic plan during challenging times? Should the district update or adapt their strategic plan during challenging times? If your district needs a new strategic plan, how can MSBA assist your district? What are MSBA’s Strategic Planning services and process?
Join MSBA’s Gail Gilman to learn the answers to these questions and more. Time will be available to answer your speci�c questions.
Next webinar: “Equity” with MSBA’s Paula O’Loughlin — 1 p.m. Thursday, October 15, 2020
Page 5 Wednesday, September 16, 2020
Absentee ballots must be ready by September 18 for all election races in November. During this even-year election, those ballots and early voting will mostly be handled by your primary county. Schools are usually not early voting sites, unless the county has designated a school building as an absentee voting site. School election o�cers may get requests for absentee ballot applications and should have some available.
Another important deadline is for districts with operating levy referendums in November. Starting September 19, school districts may now mail the required notice of an operating levy referendum. �is is a change in law
from previous years. Up until this year, districts had to wait until 30 days before the actual operating levy vote before sending the notice. With absentee voting becoming more common, the Legislature expanded the mailing date to 45 days before Election Day.
If your school election o�cer has any questions about elections, contact MSBA’s Greg Abbott ([email protected]) or Maria Lonis ([email protected]).
Two deadlines approaching for elections, referendumsElections and Referendums
Greg AbbottDirector of [email protected]
�e U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) revised regulations to clarify paid leave requirements under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). �e revised regulations — which are e�ective Wednesday, September 16 — are in response to the August 3 New York federal court ruling which struck down four provisions of the DOL’s regulations relative to implementing the FFCRA leave:
1. Health care provider exemption2. Documentation
3. Work availability requirements4. Intermittent leave
�e revised regulations changed:■ the de�nition of health care
provider for purposes of who may be excluded from taking FFCRA leave (see FAQ No. 56) and
■ the timing of when an employee is required to provide documentation to the employer; from prior to taking the leave, to “as soon as practicable” (see FAQ No. 16)
�e revised regulations also rea�rmed and clari�ed:
■ FFCRA leave “may be taken only if the employee has work from which to take leave” (see FFCRA Rule II) and
■ prior to taking intermittent leave, an employee must obtain employer approval (see FAQ Nos. 20-22 and FAQ Nos. 98-99)
Access the DOL’s revised FFCRA Regulations and the DOL’s complete list of FFCRA Leave FAQs.
U.S. Department of Labor revises regulations to clarify paid leaveFamilies First Coronavirus Response Act
Baker Tilly and Forecast5 Analytics are presenting a “Getting Out the Vote: Research and Best Practice” webinar at 10 a.m. �ursday, September 17.
Winning school tax elections requires an understanding of research and the ability to plan and implement
best practices. Whether the request is for additional operating money or funding for building projects, school districts are challenged by an electorate that typically consists of at least 75% non-parents. Given that demographic hurdle, the foundation for success is
e�ectively targeting likely “yes” voters and getting them to the polls to cast a ballot on Election Day. Developing a research-based get-out-the-vote plan and implementing it e�ectively is crucial to success.
Click here to access registration.
“Getting Out the Vote” webinar scheduled for September 17
�e 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.
Page 6 Wednesday, September 16, 2020
Hello School Leaders,As the school year is in full swing
across the state, we are noticing that there is confusion about when students or sta� members should stay home from school and for how long. �ere is confusion between the distinctions of when individuals are sick and/or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and when they have been exposed to a con�rmed case of COVID-19. We highly encourage everyone to review the COVID-19 decision tree exclusion guidance, as it’s called, which lays out a number of scenarios and appropriate steps for children, students and sta�.
■ Guidance for those who have been exposed to a con�rmed case of COVID-19: One of the most frequent misconceptions that we want to clarify is that any student or school employee who has been exposed to a con�rmed case of COVID-19 needs to stay home, quarantined, for a minimum of 14 days. �is is regardless of test results and includes those who have received a negative COVID-19 test result. It is very important to remember that individuals cannot test out of quarantine a�er a close contact. �is is because there is no way for us to shorten the 14-day incubation period. To put it another way, it could take up to 14 days for the virus to take hold in your body and for you to become infected. It is possible that you could test negative at the beginning of the incubation period, but then test positive toward the end of the
incubation period. In fact, the guidance recommends that testing should occur no sooner than 5 to 7 days a�er a close contact or exposure (or at any point if symptoms develop) to guard against a potential false negative test result due to being tested too early in the incubation period.
We recognize that this may be frustrating to hear if students and colleagues cannot return to the classroom quickly. �at’s why is it so important that we all work together to encourage our school communities not to gather in large groups, to wear a mask, wash their hands o�en and practice social distancing when they are not at school, in order to keep students and school sta� as safe as possible.
■ Guidance for those who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms without known exposure: For those who do not know if they have been exposed to a con�rmed case of COVID-19 but are feeling sick — this guidance provides direction about when to stay home. It recommends anyone with a single symptom more common to COVID-19 stay home until a negative COVID-19 test result, an alternative diagnosis from a doctor, or 10 days pass from the time symptoms start until they improve. �ose more common symptoms include fever of 100.4 or higher, new onset or worsening cough, di�culty
breathing, and a new loss of taste or smell.
Again, we highly encourage everyone to review the COVID-19 decision tree exclusion guidance. We ask that you please help distribute the COVID-19 Attendance Guide for Parents and Families which lays out a number of scenarios and appropriate steps for children, students and sta�. Educators are known to tough it out and be there for our students no matter what. We cannot do that this school year. Urging students and school sta� to stay home when sick or when they have been exposed to a con�rmed case of COVID-19 is our best tool to �ght this pandemic.
�ank you for your continued partnership and leadership,
Heather Mueller, Ed.D.Minnesota Department of Education,
Deputy Commissioner of Education
Important clari�cation on COVID-19 exclusion guidance
From Minnesota Department of Education Deputy Commissioner Heather Mueller
Educators are known to tough it out and be there for our students no matter what. We cannot do that this school
year. Urging students and school staff to stay home
when sick or when they have been exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19 is our best tool to fight this pandemic.
Page 7 Wednesday, September 16, 2020
What is your home internet speed?
TAKE THE TEST IN ONE MINUTE OR LESS!
www.mnruralbroadbandcoalition.com/speedtest
The Minnesota Rural Broadband Coalition is conducting a statewide crowd-sourced
internet speed testing initiative.
The goal of this project is to create an accurate statewide map of where internet service is available and what
speeds people are currently receiving.
From the Minnesota Department of Education’s September 11 bulletin
As school districts and charter schools navigate this challenging school year, the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) has determined that they will not enforce the 15-day posting period for districts requesting an out-of-�eld permission. Click here to read the full memo.
■ Nutrition guidance for fall: Last week, the USDA announced that the
summer food service program (SFSP) is extended through December 31, 2020. MDE has published a memo and a Q and A document related to this announcement. Both documents are available on the Food and Nutrition COVID-19 Resources page.
■ Clari�cation for COVID-19 Decision Tree: �e Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has issued a clari�cation of the recommendation for when children need to stay home or be excluded from school or child care if someone in their household is being tested for COVID-19 or waiting for test results. Please see this memo to schools, local public health, and other stakeholders from MDH. Visit the MDH website to access COVID-19 Decision Trees in English, Hmong, Somali and Spanish.
PELSB won’t enforce 15-day posting period for school districts requesting out-of-�eld permission
Minnesota Department of Education
Visit https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNMDE/bulletins/29�432 to access the complete bulletin.
Click here to spread the word about the speed test in your community.
Page 8 Wednesday, September 16, 2020
By Liberty Mutual Insurance
As Minnesota public school districts have begun re-opening some or all of their facilities and operations to students, teachers, sta�, and others, we encourage school districts to continue looking for ways to manage and mitigate potential indoor air quality (IAQ) problems.
�e most e�cient way to control IAQ problems is to prevent them from occurring in the �rst place. While not an exhaustive list, consider the following suggestions to help prevent and address IAQ problems (recognizing that many complex factors may a�ect IAQ and building/occupancy safety):
■ Provide adequate fresh outdoor air to the building. HVAC systems recirculate large amounts of air, but recirculated air does not satisfy typical minimum fresh air requirements. Measure the total amount of fresh air being brought into the building. �e ASHRAE 62.1-2013 standard recommends a fresh air intake that accounts for the number of people who occupy the space as well as the overall square footage of the space to which the air handler services for di�erent indoor environments.
■ Inspect the HVAC system for biological contamination. HVAC systems should be properly designed to minimize entrapment of moisture. For example, condensate from cooling coils should drain away from the system rather than letting it accumulate in pans. Look inside ductwork and HVAC units for any visible mold growth.
■ Avoid humidi�cation systems if possible. Humidity and moisture provide opportunities for microbial growth. A humidi�cation system may disperse those harmful microbes through the air. If such a system is necessary, a good preventive maintenance program is needed to keep the system clean and working properly.
■ Inspect the building for leaks. Fix leaks as soon as possible. Good preventive programs are essential to prevent water leaks. When leaks do occur, quick action is needed to stop the leak and begin drying out the a�ected materials.
■ Schedule contaminant-producing tasks in the building during o� hours. Construction and/or remodeling projects should be carefully planned to minimize IAQ complaints and issues during the project. Schedule these tasks when the number of building occupants is at a minimum, thus controlling the exposure. During these tasks, provide good ventilation in work areas with an independent ventilation system, if possible.
■ Aerate furnishings and carpeting before installation. �e purpose of aeration is to dissipate as much odor as possible before the furnishings are brought into the work area.
Many manufacturers are now using low-emission materials or “aging” furnishings in their warehouses. In new buildings, preplan construction to use materials and furnishings that produce the lowest odor and chemical component composition possible. In addition, plan a preoccupancy “burn-in.” Elevating the building temperature to drive-o� odors and chemical releases from new furnishings prior to occupancy — followed by su�cient �ushing of the building with fresh outdoor air — o�en helps reduce complaints that o�en occur a�er new construction or building renovations.
■ Keep a log of all complaints and air survey results. Good recordkeeping can document your preventive e�orts, help identify patterns, and may be helpful in defending against claims. Most IAQ problems and complaints can be avoided through a combination of managerial and physical measures. When facility occupants (students, teachers, sta�, and others) do complain, take their concerns seriously and investigate. Even a minor irritant in the air can produce lost education time and lower productivity (and a severe IAQ problem can produce dramatic losses).
MSBAIT Matters
Maintain good indoor air quality to improve school learning environment
Liberty Mutual Insurance is a participating property and casualty insurer in the MSBAIT Risk
Protection Program. Visit the Liberty website at https://viewpoint.libertymutualgroup.com.
For more information on public entity insurance and risk management insights related to the subject of IAQ, CDC school
re-opening guidance, Legionnaires’ disease, and other subjects,
visit the Liberty Mutual websiteand its Viewpoint resources.
Page 9 Wednesday, September 16, 2020
Looking for a superintendent?
What makes MSBA’s Executive Search Service unique?◆ Our process Transparency ensures public perception matches reality, so your board can
rest con�dently in the hiring process and candidate selection.
◆ Our knowledge School boards are our business, and every step along the way is viewed through the lens of board leadership.
◆ Our reputation We believe in what we do and how well we do it, so we’ll stake our reputationon your satisfaction.
◆ Our partnership Because we value your membership, we are committed to o�ering exceptional value through a reasonable and a�ordable pricing model.
School boards articulate and pursue a community’s hopes for its young people, and hiring your district’s leader is a critical part of that pursuit. MSBA will help you hire not only a superintendent, but the right superintendent.
MSBA is proud to partner with districts in every aspect of board leadership.Our purpose and mission is to fully
support your work, including intimes of superintendent transition.
Executive Search Service
MSBA’s Executive Search Service can help you ...
◆ Strengthen your hiring process◆ Ensure adherence to all public meeting laws◆ Unite your board in the selection of your new superintendent
In hiring our next superintendent we needed an extremely transparent process that heavily involved the community and sta�, along with strong facilitation to keep us on task. MSBA gave us this and more. I highly endorse their executive search services, and believe MSBA’s leadership also helped move our school board into a more collaborative, respectful way of working together.
Nancy Denzer, Board Chair | Winona Area Public Schools
Contact MSBA’s Executive Search Service today!
Barb DornDirector of Leadership Development and Executive Search
[email protected] | mnmsba.org/ExecutiveSearchService
MSBA is a member of the National A�liation of Superintendent Searchers (NASS).
Page 10 Wednesday, September 16, 2020
�e Leader is published as a member service by the Minnesota School Boards Association, 1900 West Je�erson Avenue, St. Peter, MN 56082. �e Leader is edited by Associate Director of Communications Bruce Lombard. Call 800-324-4459 with any questions.
Job openings, marketplace notices and other information can be emailed to [email protected] or faxed to 507-931-1515.
Minnesota School District Liquid Asset Fund Plus RateVisit https://www.msdlaf.org to access the current Minnesota School District Liquid Asset Fund Plus rate. The Fund was established for the purpose of allowing Minnesota public school entities and districts (collectively “school districts”) to pool their investment funds to seek the highest possible investment yield, while maintaining liquidity and preserving capital.
Job Openings | Visit http://www.mnmsba.org/DistrictJobOpenings for application information.
Other Administrators■ Central Minnesota Educational Research and Development Council — Executive Director (Application deadline: October 2)■ Mankato Area — Director of Communications (Application deadline: October 13)
�e Minnesota Department of Public Safety O�ce of Justice Programs (DPS-OJP) is o�ering grant funding to address �nancial needs and risks created by the COVID-19 public health emergency. Click here to access more details and application information. �is grant will support:
■ Youth/young adult services (such as youth employment, out-of-school
time activities, youth focused violence prevention/intervention activities, mental health services, community healing activities)
■ Crime victim services (including addressing homelessness and risk of homelessness issues)
■ Community COVID-19 responses�e request for proposal (RFP) says
the estimated award amounts will be
$50,000 to $500,000. Applications are currently being accepted and will be considered for funding contingent upon funds available. Funds can cover necessary expenses incurred due to the COVID-19 public health emergency from September 1, 2020, through December 30, 2020, only; expenses from before September 1, 2020, are not allowable.
Funding available for youth/young adult violence intervention, crime victim services, and community COVID-19 response grant
Grants
�e Minnesota Department of Education is accepting applications for the Early Childhood Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) funding through October 16, 2020.
�is federal grant is available for the purpose of distributing funding for wraparound early care and education services (0-8 age band) directed toward historically underserved populations impacted by COVID-19 in the seven-
county metro area (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties).
Under the GEER funding — authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economics Security (CARES) Act — the U.S. Department of Education awarded grants to governors for the purpose of providing local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, and other education-
related entities with emergency assistance as a result of COVID-19.
If you are outside of the metro area, the Minnesota Department of Education has partnered with the Minnesota Initiative Foundations to administer GEER 0-8 grants to their communities in greater Minnesota.
Visit https://education.mn.gov/MDE/DSE/MDE033766 for more information.
Early Childhood Governor’s Emergency Education Relief funding available
Page 11 Wednesday, September 16, 2020
Minnesota School Boards Association Insurance TrustManaging Member Risk Since 1972
Life and Long-Term Disability
MSBAIT endorses National Insurance Services as the preferred provider for life and long-term disability insurance.
☑ Drones ☑ Cyber/Data Breach
☑ Tenants User Liability Program (TULIP)☑ International Travel
☑ Builder’s RiskThe Advanced Protection Program features insurance coverage enhancements designed specifically to protect schools.
Advanced Protection Program
Gary [email protected]
Call 800-324-4459 to speak with an MSBAIT representative or visit www.mnmsba.org/MSBAIT.
Risk Protection Program
The MSBAIT Risk Protection Program — developed in collaboration with Marsh & McLennan Agency — offers property, casualty, and workers’ compensation insurance and risk management products and services to eligible MSBA member school districts through select, participating insurers and other providers.
Property/Casualty Insurers
Workers’ Compensation Insurers
Minnesota School Boards Association Insurance Trust