The updated state budget forecast released today reveals a slight retraction in the $1.2 billion surplus initially projected as of December to $900 million, according to Minnesota Management and Budget. Legislative leaders now have to grapple with the budget news as they head into session on March 8. The competition for tax cuts, transportation spending and early learning funding just got more … Read More
New and Incumbent Directors Elected to MREA Board
MREA’s membership elected two new and re-elected four incumbent directors to the MREA Board of Directors during the December voting period. The Board also appointed a new Higher Education representative, bringing a total of three new faces to the Board. New Directors Dennis Laumeyer At-Large Representative, South Central Zone Laumeyer is in his third year as Superintendent with Benson Public … Read More
MREA Board Names Kovash President
The MREA Board of Directors named Jeremy Kovash board president. Kovash started his career teaching at Perham Public Schools and currently serves as executive director of Lakes Country Services Cooperative based in Fergus Falls. We recently sat down with Kovash to learn more about his passion for education and goals for MREA in 2016. What led you initially to a career … Read More
Rosenstone Outlines Steps on Concurrent Enrollment
MnSCU Chancellor Steven Rosenstone responded to changes made to concurrent enrollment by the Higher Learning Commission. He spoke with Minnesota’s school superintendents during Minnesota Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius’ December conference call. “I am very aware of the consternation circulating since last spring’s HLC decision regarding credentialing of concurrent enrollment teachers,” Rosenstone said. “I want to assure you of the commitment … Read More
Take State Survey on Early Learning
MREA encourages members to complete a survey by the Minnesota Department of Education on early learning. MDE is conducting a survey based on the feedback received during listening sessions last month. Please complete the survey by Thursday, Dec. 17. Early learning is a top priority on MREA’s Legislative Platform for 2016. While there is wide support for early learning and expanded … Read More
MREA Prepares for 2016 Legislative Session
MREA traveled the state through the fall and heard from Greater Minnesota schools. Now it’s time to focus our collective voice on behalf of rural students as the 2016 legislative session approaches. The MREA Board of directors recommends the following platform for member approval at the annual meeting at the 2015 MREA Annual Conference on Nov. 17. View the proposed platform. The proposed platform focuses … Read More
Referendum and Bond Results Across Greater Minnesota
Tuesday’s elections results were mixed for Greater Minnesota school districts. Bond elections fared worse than metro school districts, while operating referendums passed at a higher rate than in metro districts. Bond Elections Across Greater Minnesota districts, 54 percent of bonds were approved by voters compared to 82 percent of metro bond questions. MSBA reported a statewide average of 62 percent. … Read More
What's Next for Concurrent Enrollment in Minnesota
The Minnesota Joint Higher Education Committee held a hearing on Thursday in front of a packed audience on the newly required rules by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) for concurrent enrollment (or dual-credit) high school teachers. The St. Paul Pioneer Press described the ire of Minnesota’s K-12 community. Learn more about the hearing. Proponents of the HLC decision see it as … Read More
Hearing Set on Concurrent Enrollment
A joint hearing on the recent changes to concurrent enrollment accessibility has been set for Oct. 8 in Minnesota. The Higher Learning Commission accepted the invitation from Minnesota’s Higher Education Committee Chairs Rep. Bud Nornes and Sen. Terri Bonoff. to come to Minnesota and explain the rule and their rationale. This Joint Meeting of the Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development … Read More
Inside Concurrent Enrollment
Minnesota’s growing concurrent enrollment (dual-credit) programs for high school students to earn college credit while attending high school is being threatened by recent actions of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The Commission is proposing new credentialing requirements for Minnesota’s secondary teachers to teach these college courses under the auspices of a college or university. Thanks to the work and advocacy of MREA … Read More