Committees
Executive Committee
It shall be the function of this committee of board elected officers (President, President-elect, Secretary, NASP Delegate, and Treasurer) to provide leadership and guidance for the MSPA organization. The Executive Committee shall be responsible for planning MSPA Board Meeting agendas, including the annual retreat. The executive committee shall make a decision in the absence of a quorum of the full board and when given a time-sensitive circumstance. It shall be the function of this committee to provide a slate of nominees for each election. This committee shall actively recruit candidates from throughout the state and shall issue ballots for the election. This committee shall collect and disburse dues and monies, shall prepare an annual budget proposal, shall keep the MSPA Board informed of the current financial status of the organization, and shall report relevant financial information at the annual meeting. This committee shall also be responsible for handling concerns regarding working conditions and support members in maintaining and improving working conditions and employment. This committee shall field and advise on ethical concerns reported by MSPA members or other community members.
Membership & Engagement Committee
This committee shall maintain an up-to-date (electronic) mailing list and shall organize and implement recruitment efforts to ensure bringing as many eligible individuals as possible into the organization. It shall be the function of this committee to carry out such public relations activities as: releasing to schools and to the general public publicity concerning meetings, speakers, and election of officers; to prepare informational releases at the request of the MSPA Board; and to acquire, maintain, and distribute upon request, information on school psychology. It shall be the function of this committee to increase participation and membership of school psychologists and trainers working throughout the state and to represent the regional needs and concerns of school psychologists to the MSPA Board. Each of the eight regions are represented on this committee by a Regional Representative. It shall be the function of this committee to recruit student representatives from area school psychology graduate programs.
Legislative Affairs Committee
It shall be the function of this committee to monitor the Minnesota Department of Education, the state legislature, and other governmental bodies regarding actions and policies affecting education and related issues. Key roles/responsibilities of this committee shall include but not be limited to the following: identifying at least 1-3 advocacy goal(s), and develop, implement, and evaluate an associated action plan for achieving the goal(s).This committee shall also keep the membership informed of proposed policies and actions of governmental bodies and, when appropriate, organize lobbying efforts in an attempt to influence these actions. This committee may help to educate candidates or officials who may not be aware of issues in education and mental health. The committee shall work to have all members politically aware and active.
Continuing Education Committee
It shall be the function of this committee to take responsibility for continuing education opportunities that support the National Association of School Psychologists and Minnesota Department of Education requirements for licensure and credentialing. The committee will plan and implement professional development activities such as the annual Mid-Winter conference and on-demand sessions, subject to MSPA Board approval.
Equity Committee
The committee will work to enact social justice through culturally-responsive professional practice and advocacy to create schools, communities, and systems that ensure equity and fairness for all children and youth. This committee shall facilitate opportunities for school psychologists, trainers, and graduate students to dialogue and receive support in order to disrupt, dismantle, and re/vision oppressive systems. This committee aims to promote pathways for graduate students from diverse backgrounds to enter and thrive within the profession.