Other Rural Issues

Nominations for open positions on the MREA Board of Directors must be submitted online by Monday. MREA’s Board of Directors is comprised of 21 persons – 16 directors elected by the membership and 4 statewide directors appointed by the Board. The 21st seat on the Board is filled only in the case of seating the individual who holds the office of “Past-President.” … Read More

MREA is continuing to grow membership as it advocates for Greater Minnesota education and prepares for the 2014 legislative session. Join MREA in welcoming these eight new member school districts this month: Cromwell-Wright              Pine City Eden Valley-Watkins        Pine Point Eveleth-Gilbert                  St. Peter Ogilvie                                 Wadena-Deer Creek MREA now represents 163 districts strong with 146,000 students. View an interactive map of MREA membership. Learn about … Read More

The Foundation for Rural Education and Development (FRED) has  launched its new year of programs with $125,000 in funding to benefit rural communities.  Here’s a look at three key programs:  The Technology Grants for Rural Schools program helps meet the growing need for innovative technology in the classroom.  The grants strive to help rural, public schools connect to high speed broadband, … Read More

Through its Center for Prevention, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota plans to award $25,000 to up to 15 organizations that can execute a “shovel-ready” project that uses engagement as a key strategy.  More details will be available after October 7 on the Grassroots Solutions’ website. A strong emphasis is being placed on funding organizations that fall outside of … Read More

Are you prepared for the effects of ACA? The Service Cooperatives are hosting training for superintendents and business managers. MREA thanks its member Service Cooperatives for hosting these important sessions and handling the registration details. MSBA, Eide Bailly, National Insurance Services and the Minnesota Service Cooperatives have created a training session that will briefly recap the current ACA requirements and will provide participants with … Read More

Organizers of the 2013 conference of the Curriculum Leaders of Minnesota (CLM) is seeking presentation proposals for the conference on November 13 – 15. The theme this year is Excellence & Equity for Every Student. The big difference in how well students from varying backgrounds perform in school (aka “the achievement gap”) has been a focus of attention for a long time … Read More

MREA is now accepting nominations for six seats on the MREA Board of Directors, effective Jan. 1, 2014. Individuals from MREA full membership districts are encouraged to apply for this opportunity to serve and represent school districts in rural Minnesota. Individuals may nominate themselves or someone else. Nominations must be submitted online and need to include a Statement of Interest that will … Read More

Is your school innovating to improve services or reduce the cost of local government? If so, share your innovation for a chance to win $10,000 and a professional video highlighting your effort. The Local Government Innovation Award will recognize the creative ways counties, cities, and schools are making Minnesota better and doing things differently. All types of local government innovation are … Read More

MDE and the Midwest Comprehensive Center have invited MREA members to a free Conference on Minnesota’s American Indian Students on Sept. 23 at Madden’s Resort in Brainerd. The Minnesota American Indian Summit will focus on best practices, data and partnerships in American Indian Student Education. This is an excellent opportunity for public school educators serving AMI students to learn from … Read More