Jon Millerhagen

In Washington D.C., I saw firsthand that connections with legislators may be difficult, but their staffers are very receptive to constituents. Many legislators are busy with other issues and have put education on hold, yet they are preparing for the reauthorization of ESEA, and their staffers are willing to talk with us about education issues. It is especially helpful to share with them the stories of how education law has personally impacted students, parents, teachers, or principals. They are very receptive to our personal stories.

As I reflect on my first year as MESPA president, I am continually impressed with the quality and effectiveness of the leaders in our organization. Several times during this past year we gathered as an executive committee to strategize and design responses to federal and state legislation that has had strong impact on how principals do their work. The relationships that our Legal/Legislative Counsel Roger Aronson and our Executive Director P. Fred Storti have developed with the commissioner of education, the secondary principals, the superintendents’ association, and our state legislators have positioned the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association to be a respected voice in Minnesota politics.

At the grass roots level, the dedication of our division leaders has been superb. Their commitment to developing MESPA’s strategic plan and taking time out of their schedule to participate in Board of Directors meetings and our Leadership Conference helps assure that you are getting the most out of your association. The quality of their contributions is impressive. I have a great appreciation for the committee chairpersons and the extra work it takes to provide guidance to their committees in developing actions that serve the needs of Minnesota principals; I most recently benefitted from the work of the MESPA Negotiations Committee as our district just settled the principals’ contract. We have also enjoyed the positive recognition of several Bloomington schools receiving Minnesota School of Excellence endorsement

Behind the scenes, one of MESPA’s most important services is to help principals navigate the rough waters of legal liabilities and mistakes made on and off the job.  During the course of our careers, many principals need the advice of legal counsel. It might be just a minor misstep in a school day, or a more public foolish mistake, or a serious infraction of principal practice, but when you are in one of these situations a good counsel is invaluable. Often these challenges come without warning. Feel free to contact our Executive Director P. Fred Storti at any time. He will help you the best he can and facilitate getting MESPA Legal Counsel Roger Aronson involved if the need is more serious. Roger has been called upon in a number of member legal concerns this past year and he has been able to work out reasonable resolutions to tough situations. 

I have the privilege as your president of seeing first-hand the effectiveness of MESPA and the good work that the staff and leadership do each day. I encourage you to hold dear your opportunity to be supported by MESPA and make sure you take advantage of your membership as much as possible. Throughout my career I know of no other organization or service that understands the challenges of leadership and designs services as well as MESPA: meeting the needs of school principals in today’s world. 

As I begin my second year as president, I wish you the best in serving your schools. Look to MESPA to meet any of your needs as you seek to have a successful career as an Elementary or Middle Level Principal.