Conference Early Bird Discount Extended to Friday

mreaadminEarly Learning, Opportunity Gap, Other Rural Issues

The Early Bird conference registration discount for MREA’s 2015 Annual Conference has been extended through Friday, August 7. Save with Early Bird Registration MREA members can register a team of 3 individuals from the same organization for Great Beginnings: When Learning Starts Early, Inspires and Applies, for only $495. This is a $150 savings off the regular team registration rate. The team rate after Friday will … Read More

July Vacancies Announced for State Boards

mreaadminOpportunity Gap, Other Rural Issues

The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon this week released the July 2015 notice of vacancies for various state boards, councils and committees. Minnesotans are encouraged to apply and serve in demonstration of public service. Current education-related vacancies include the Online and Digital Learning Advisory Council, which has six vacancies. The Online and Digital Learning Advisory Council (ODLAC) is … Read More

Minnesota Ranked Tops for Business, Education

mreaadminOpportunity Gap, Other Rural Issues

Minnesota was recently ranked No. 1 in the Top States for Business 2015 study by CNBC. Key to Minnesota’s ranking is its top ranking in education, according to CNBC. Minnesota ranked No. 2 in education. Each state was scored on more than 60 metrics in 10 categories of competitiveness. Educators and school board members across the state can take a bow, knowing their hard … Read More

MDE Releases Look Up Table on Impacts

mreaadminAchievement Gap, Assessment and Accountability, Balance Local Control, Capitol Insider Blog, Career and College Readiness, Early Learning, Facility Fallout, Opportunity Gap, Other Rural Issues, Quality Teachers

Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) just released the FY ’16 and ’17 runs and look up table based on the results of the 2015 special session signed education bill. MREA downloaded the report and makes it easily accessible here: View the impact on your school. School districts can see the financial impact the bill has on their respective districts by putting their … Read More

Distinguished Service Nominations Due Friday

mreaadminOther Rural Issues

The MREA Board of Directors is seeking nominations for the Distinguished Service Award to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to rural education. Nominations are due Friday, July 10. MREA will honor award recipients  at the MREA Annual Conference Banquet on Nov. 16. The MREA Board established the Distinguished Service Award in 2003 and seeks to recognize individuals who … Read More

Governor Signs E-12 Bill into Law

mreaadminAchievement Gap, Assessment and Accountability, Balance Local Control, Capitol Insider Blog, Career and College Readiness, Early Learning, Facility Fallout, Opportunity Gap, Other Rural Issues, Quality Teachers

The special session of the Minnesota Legislature ended over the weekend and the Governor Dayton has signed all of the special session bills into law. The E-12 bill, now Chapter 3 of the 2015 Special Session (SS HF 1 for those who want to look it up) provides $525 million for E-12 schools over the next two years. View details by issue. Overall the … Read More

MDE Seeks New Licensing Director

mreaadminOther Rural Issues

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is seeking a new education director of personnel licensing. Richard Wassen, current director of licensing at MDE, is retiring. This position provides leadership, management and oversight of the Division of Educator Licensing, which is responsible to: administer, process, and record licensure of educators; maintain and improve the educator state licensure system; serve as the Department’s … Read More

Ed Rep Needed for Children's Mental Health

mreaadminOther Rural Issues

The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State released the June 2015 notice of vacancies for  state boards, councils and committees. Minnesotans are encouraged to apply and serve in demonstration of public service. Application forms are available online and must be submitted by June 23, 2015, to be assured of full consideration by the appointing authority. Current education-related vacancies include: Subcommittee … Read More

Talks Continue: Universal Pre-K Dead

mreaadminAchievement Gap, Assessment and Accountability, Balance Local Control, Capitol Insider Blog, Career and College Readiness, Early Learning, Facility Fallout, Opportunity Gap, Other Rural Issues, Quality Teachers

An agreement on the outstanding education issues is elusive after Gov. Mark Dayton and House Speaker Kurt Daudt met four days in a row last week. One thing Gov. Dayton and Speaker Daudt agreed to quickly is that the Special Session would be held in the State Office Building. Several hearing rooms are large enough to hold each body, it is … Read More

GOP Counters Dayton's K-12 Education Offer

mreaadminAchievement Gap, Assessment and Accountability, Balance Local Control, Capitol Insider Blog, Career and College Readiness, Early Learning, Facility Fallout, Opportunity Gap, Other Rural Issues, Quality Teachers

The GOP on Friday afternoon countered Gov. Mark Dayton’s initial proposal for a K-12 education agreement for a special session. View the Governor’s priorities. The GOP’s offer includes starting with HF844 as vetoed and add: $125 million additional spending for FY 16/17 for: Formula to 2 percent increase each year (2&2) Increase School Readiness Funding by $21.5 million (for total of … Read More