..

Council Highlights 2-15-06

The MASA Executive Board and Council met February 15, 2006 at the MSU University Club in East Lansing, Michigan. Here are some highlights.

1. Guest speaker Tom Derderian of Michael Kluck and Associates described his work with MASA members who have reached an impasse with their boards. He outlined several no-cost contract elements that can protect superintendents and assist them in continuing to work through and beyond such an impasse. These include: 1) a multi-year contract with a rollover clause; 2) “just cause” dismissal clause; and 3) binding arbitration clause. The MASA staff will work on creating opportunities for this information to be shared with members in more detail.
2. The Executive Director’s report focused largely on the experience superintendents statewide have had following release of the criminal history lists from the State. Council members echoed reports flooding MASA for the past week, that the lists are riddled with errors and frustration levels are high among superintendents and employees. In this brief reprieve resulting from the U.S. District Court ruling that orders the list be called back for correction, MASA will continue to work with the relevant state departments and legislators to clean up the law, clarify process, and ensure such a dilemma does not reoccur.
3. Dan Pappas reported that response to MIEM’s first Webinar was very positive, and MASA/MIEM will be looking for more opportunities to present information through this kind of technology. We are also investigating ways to improve delivery and bring down costs.
4. MASA Membership Services Committee reported that they will be looking at the results of the MASA survey and will use it to help shape our service to members over the coming months. One critical piece of data to note: fully one-third of our members say they plan to retire within the next 5 years. This will have huge implications as we design services and plan activities. MASA staff will work with committees to act on this data and communicate results to members.
5. Council Members will engage their regions in the following Continuing Conversation during February and March: What do you believe schools need to do differently in order to better prepare students for the 21st Century? They will bring back ideas to the March meeting for further discussion. If you have ideas to share, contact your region president.