Welcome to the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP). We are a professional educational association of over 1,300 active and retired secondary and middle school administrators who seek to grow professionally and to effect positive change in our world today.

MASSP is an affiliate of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), based in Reston, Virginia.

Minnesota Association of Secretaries to the Principals (MASP) is an affiliate of our organization. They are a professional educational association intended to provide in-service training, networking opportunities, professional development programs, and peer support.

Minnesota Association of Student Councils (MASC), and the Minnesota Association of Honor Societies (MAHS), are two student organizations affiliated with MASSP. They exist to provide member high school and middle school students, and their advisors, the opportunity to participate in leadership activities and other events to better themselves and their student organizations.

Thoughts from Bob Driver

As we approach the end of the school year, it is an important time for school leadership to be aware of the heightened tensions that can arise due to district budget cuts, program reductions, staff reassignments, and potential terminations. These changes can create uncertainty, stress, and anxiety among staff members. The way in which we communicate these difficult changes can make a significant difference in the overall morale of the staff and the atmosphere within the school.

Effective leadership during these times requires a commitment to timely and transparent communication. Principals, as the central figures in your school communities, play a critical role in how these messages are delivered. The following points outline the best practices for communicating during times of change.

Communicate Promptly: Once changes are confirmed, share the information quickly. Delaying can lead to rumors, confusion, and feelings of mistrust. Early communication helps staff process and adapt to changes more effectively.

Be Honest and Transparent: Avoid sugar-coating or withholding information. Your staff needs clear, truthful updates—even when the news is tough. If some details are still unknown, be upfront and provide a timeline for when more will be shared. Transparency fosters trust and helps reduce anxiety.

Understand Timing and Setting: Choose a thoughtful time and place to share difficult news. Avoid high-stress moments like mornings or right before teaching. Consider meeting after school in a calm setting where staff can ask questions and discuss openly.

Prepare and Support Your Team: Be aware of how changes may affect individuals. Involve department heads or grade-level leads so they can help support staff and answer questions. A coordinated leadership approach ensures no one feels alone or overlooked.

Communicate with Empathy: Consider the emotional impact of your message. Be ready to listen, guide, and show compassion. Your delivery can shape how staff receive and respond to the news.

As a principal, you have the power to guide your team through these transitions with care and thoughtfulness. Remember, the sooner you communicate, the better; the more transparent you are, the more your staff will trust and appreciate your leadership. And by ensuring that key individuals are well-prepared to offer support, you can help mitigate the emotional impact of these changes.

In these challenging times, your leadership will be remembered not just for the decisions you make, but for how you communicate and support your team through them.

To see more from this month's Connections Newsletter, click here.