Thirteen Members Apply for 2017 Board Vacancies

DIANE VOSENOther Rural Issues

Thirteen individuals are vying for three open positions on MREA’s 2017 Board of Directors. Three of MREA’s four membership zones will each have one open position for terms effective January 1, 2017. The positions will run from 2017-2020. Candidates will be introduced at the MREA Annual Meeting on November 15, and ballots will be mailed late November to each full … Read More

USDA Applications Available for School Food Grants

DIANE VOSENOther Rural Issues

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)  plans to provide $5 million in grants to help schools create or strengthen farm to school programs this school year. Administered by USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, these annual, competitive grants will help increase locally sourced foods in America’s school meals. Awards this year will range from $20,000 to $100,000 in four different grant categories: Planning, … Read More

MREA Board Applications Due Oct. 19

DIANE VOSENOther Rural Issues

Just over one week remains until applications are due for the 2017 MREA Board of Directors. Terms for three available seats on the 21-person board begin January 1, 2017. The application deadline is 5 pm, Wednesday, October 19. Apply Now Individuals interested in representing school districts across Greater Minnesota are encouraged to apply for these elected positions. Applications must be submitted online and need to include a written Statement … Read More

Members Provide Input on 2017 Legislative Issues

DIANE VOSEN2017 Legislative Issues, Early Learning, Facility Fallout, Other Rural Issues, Quality Teachers, Teacher Development, Teacher Shortages

More than 120 MREA school board members, administrators and teachers participated in MREA’s Fall Member Meetings over the last month to provide input on issues likely to arise in the 2017 legislative year. The four major issues discussed were: Early Learning Rising early learning needs and attention Quality Teachers Increasing difficulty attracting and retaining quality teachers Funding Student Needs Meeting student needs across the state … Read More

Conference Sessions to Address Student Success

DIANE VOSENAchievement Gap, Assessment and Accountability, Career and College Readiness, Early Learning, Opportunity Gap, Other Rural Issues

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

DIANE VOSENAchievement Gap, Assessment and Accountability, Balance Local Control, Career and College Readiness, Early Learning, Opportunity Gap, Other Rural Issues

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

DIANE VOSENOpportunity Gap, Other Rural Issues

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

DIANE VOSEN2017 Legislative Issues, Career and College Readiness, Facility Fallout, Opportunity Gap, Other Rural 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

MDE Invites Applications for Expanded Student Broadband Access

DIANE VOSENBroadband Access, Opportunity Gap, Other Rural Issues, Uncategorized

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

August Vacancies Announced for State Boards

DIANE VOSENOther Rural Issues

The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State has released new vacancies for state boards, councils and committees. Citizens in Greater Minnesota are encouraged to apply and serve. Current education-related vacancies are: SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST AND AUDIOLOGIST ADVISORY COUNCIL Vacancies: Four seats including: One Public Member One Member – engaged in the practice of audiology and the dispensing of hearing instruments in … Read More