The Minnesota State Demographic Center’s statistic that Minnesota only maintains a positive migration of 8,000 working-age residents because of an annual influx of 20,000 international migrants became evident during MREA’s statewide tour this fall with superintendents, teachers and school board members. Here are just four examples from MREA member schools: East Grand Forks Superintendent Mike Kolness called a meeting of city, … Read More
October Vacancies Announced for State Boards
The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State recently announced new vacancies for state boards, councils and committees. Citizens in Greater Minnesota are encouraged to apply and serve. Application forms are available online and must be submitted by October 24. Education-Related Vacancies Special Education Advisory Panel School Personnel (1 Seat) Powers and Duties: The state is required to establish and maintain an advisory panel … Read More
Conference Sessions to Address Student Success
As we move through today’s educational evolution, how can you best plan the path of changes needed for your students’ success? Start by planning to attend MREA’s 2016 Annual Conference: Making Teaching Matter. Breakout session presenters will share how to improve opportunities for our students to succeed in their classrooms, schools, and lives. Making Teaching Matter will offer nearly 40 sessions in total and provide ample networking and … Read More
MDE Hosting Meetings on ESSA, State Plan
The Minnesota Department of Education will host regional meetings throughout the state to discuss the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Commissioner Brenda Cassellius and staff want to learn and hear thoughts about ESSA and the vision so far for Minnesota’s state plan. ESSA, the nation’s latest pre-kindergarten through grade 12 education law, was signed into law in December 2015. It’s the newest version … Read More
MREA Announces 2017 Board Openings
MREA will have three seats open on its Board of Directors beginning January 1, 2017. Individuals interested in representing school districts in rural Minnesota are encouraged to apply. Applications must be submitted online and need to include a written Statement of Interest indicating interest and ability in fulfilling the director responsibilities. The deadline for nominations is 5 pm, Wednesday, October 19. MREA’s Board of Directors is … Read More
MREA to Host Virtual Meetings on Rural School Issues
MREA will host a series of On-Point virtual meetings in the next few weeks to gain feedback on specific issues currently impacting our Greater Minnesota schools: Concurrent enrollment and other post-secondary options, funding student needs, and small schools funding. Member feedback from the meetings will form the basis to build MREA’s Legislative Platform for the 2017 legislative session. Teachers, board members, and … Read More
Report Encourages Rural Education to Capitalize on Assets
The National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) recently released a report on the challenges and issues facing rural schools. This was a follow up to a 2004 study by NASBE and asked: what has changed in ten years, and what are new challenges facing state level policy makers? The report identified key issues facing rural education: High percentage … Read More
MDE Invites Applications for Expanded Student Broadband Access
The Minnesota Department of Education invites applications from Minnesota public school districts, charter schools and education districts for projects that expand broadband access for students under the 2016 Laws of Minnesota, chapter 189, article 30, sections 24-25. Applicants may apply for a Broadband Expansion Off-Campus Learning Grant and, if eligible to receive general education transportation sparsity revenue under Minnesota Statutes, … Read More
New Maps Show Drop in Statewide Aid, Rise in Local Levies
MREA released maps today showing the wide range of aid, levy and revenue increases and decreases for Minnesota school districts since 2003. Differences in voter approved levies have resulted in a wide variation in revenue in districts in the state. State aid of all types, including the General Education Formula, have declined 10 percent or $1,016 per pupil between 2003 and … Read More
Funding Approved: Early Learning, Concurrent Enrollment, Support Services
The Legislature passed a $182 million supplemental budget before the midnight deadline that included funding for early learning and several provisions requested by rural education interests. Early Learning The biggest piece of the E-12 pie is inclusion of a general education pre-K program with $25 million awarded in fiscal year ’17 to districts who apply and and meet certain criteria. A … Read More