1.  The 2026 MSBA Leadership Conference is slated for Thursday, January 15, and Friday, January 16, 2026, at the Minneapolis Convention Center.  Please let me or Angel know if you are interested in going so we can get everyone registered.  
  
2.  Carla Nolan and I attended the MASA Region VI meeting recently. We participated in a professional development session from Dehler PR and Captivate Media. We also received updates from various MASA state and regional committees.

3. MASA Fall Conference-I attended and presented the MASA Fall Conference last week.  I was able to network and participate in a number of breakout sessions and keynote speakers.  

4.  Calendar-We will be surveying for the 26-27 school year calendar. This survey will be to determine the value of starting before or after Labor Day. The state legislature allowed for a two year start before Labor Day opportunity for schools due to the later Labor Day.  Following those results, we will survey or meet with the calendar committee (Board Member Jurek) to meet and discuss a recommendation to the board for an upcoming meeting.

5. I attended the CentraCare Community Conversation on Tuesday, September 22 in Monticello. This meeting allows for continued relationships with area and regional businesses and leaders. If any other business is having an open house or event, please consider inviting participants from the school.

6. I am honored to have been selected as one of approximately 30 superintendents from across the country to participate in the inaugural Educational Leadership Executive Coaching Certification Program with AASA. The cohort includes many current and former national and state-level superintendent award recipients. The program begins later this month and will focus on executive coaching, leadership development, and collaboration. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside this exceptional group and bring new ideas and leadership practices back to Becker Public Schools.

7. I continue to build on the Board’s feedback from the recent evaluation by strengthening communication and community engagement, remaining actively involved throughout the Becker community, and keeping staff and families informed about issues affecting public education. This includes providing information on the upcoming statewide Permanent School Fund constitutional amendment, continuing legislative advocacy through MASA, and maintaining a strong focus on fiscal stewardship. I am also continuing our strategic planning work to ensure we have a clear direction for the district’s future.

8. Becker Public Schools is partnering with Studer Education to conduct a Parent/Caregiver Experience Survey from October 2-16. The feedback will help us better understand our families’ experiences, identify areas for improvement, and provide valuable input as we continue our strategic planning and continuous improvement efforts.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to share their feedback! The survey takes approximately 10-15 minutes and is available through October 16.

Take the anonymous survey: https://surveys.studereducation.com/f/41850751/9ae6/

9.  A number of staff and administrators attended the LEEA Banquet held in Waite Park on Wednesday, September 30. It was a great opportunity to honor the work of some of our greatest teachers. Winners of the award were Anna Borchardt (Primary School), Brett Knudsen (High School), Amanda Pratt (Intermediate School), and Abby Puhl (Middle School).
Reminder:  November School Board Meeting is on Monday, the 9th. We could move it to the 16th if that works better for people's schedules.

10. Reminder:  December 2 Work Session with City of Becker, Becker Township, Sherburne County.

11. Reminder: Meet and Confer with the BEA is on Thursday, November 5. We are also in the process of setting up other meetings with the other leadership from employee groups.

12. Reminder: Election Day is Tuesday, November 3-Be sure to vote! School board and Permanent School Fund are on the ballot. Reach out to the school district (Superintendent) if you want more information on either of these important ballot items.
 

I recommend approving the personnel items as presented.

Policy 706 Acceptance of Gifts permits the school board to accept donations or gifts under the terms of the policy.  I recommend accepting the gifts as described in the enclosure.  Thank you to those who have donated to our schools and students.