Association of Metropolitan School Districts Update
October 17, 2011

Tiered Licensure Task Force
The members of the Tiered Licensure Task Force have been announced and the first meeting of the task force is scheduled for tomorrow, October 18 at 3:30 at the MDE.  

http://www.education.state.mn.us/MDE/About_MDE/News_Center/Press_Releases/022220

Integration Task Force Delayed
The initial meeting of the Integration Task Force, originally scheduled for tomorrow, has been cancelled because the task force members have not been named yet.   We expect the appointments to be made next week but we will keep you posted.

New MDE Government Relations Staff
Commissioner Cassellius announced the hiring of 2 new government relations staff at the MDE.   The new government relations director is Kevin McHenry and the new legislative and planning coordinator is Daron Korte.  Kevin and Daron both previously worked in the Minnesota State Senate.  Here is the press release.

Minimum Hours Legislation
The 2011 Omnibus Education Bill included language requiring school districts to adopt a school calendar that includes prescribed minimum instructional hours broken down by grade level.  The new language amends the previous law that required a minimum number of instructional days.  I am attaching a copy of a letter distributed by Tom Melcher that summarizes this change.

AMSD Blog
To read the latest education news stories and more, check out the AMSD Blog.

Legislative Hearings This Week

WEDNESDAY, October 19, 2011 - 1:00 PM
Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement
Room: 5 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Morrie Lanning
Agenda:
Review of the 2010 replication actuarial valuations for MSRS-General, PERA-General and MERF.
Review of the of the remaining 2010 retirement plan actuarial valuations.
Potential retirement plan design changes: recently established hybrid retirement plans in other states.
Potential revision of interest and other actuarial assumptions.
Retirement accounting changes in recent Governmental Accounting Standards Board exposure drafts.
Potential revision(s) of the PERA privatizing government entity retirement coverage law.

NOTE: Agenda will continue to the October 20, 2011, meeting.
THURSDAY, October 20, 2011 - 9:00 AM
Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement
Room: 5 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Morrie Lanning
Agenda: Continuation of October 19, 2011, agenda
FRIDAY, October 21, 2011 - 10:00 AM
Permanent School Fund Advisory Committee
Room: Basement State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Carol McFarlane
Agenda: TBA