MREA announced today the 2016 Profiles of Excellence Award recipients honoring the best practices and programs in schools in Greater Minnesota. Little Falls Community Schools received the 2016 Exemplary Award for its Flyer Media Productions video program. Deer River Public Schools earned the 2016 Honorable Mention for its community-minded execution of its bond referendum.

“These programs highlight the ingenuity and innovation happening in our Greater Minnesota schools,” MREA Executive Director Fred Nolan said. “They serve as examples of elevating educational opportunities for Minnesota’s rural students that we hope others will replicate.”

EXEMPLARY AWARD

Little Falls Community Schools

After recognizing a trend in video consumption, Little Falls school leaders implemented a program that produced over 250 newscasts and 100 events in the past year. Students, faculty, parents and community members are able to enjoy high-quality, well-produced events and news from the entire school district. Learn more.

HONORABLE MENTION

Deer River Public Schools

Deer River Schools Superintendent Matt Grose had a vision and spearheaded a bond referendum that passed with a remarkable 68 percent rate. Instead of focusing solely on the enrollment growth straining the elementary school, Grose expanded his vision to include the needs of the community as a whole. He involved stakeholders from varying constituencies to help make this dream a reality. Learn more.

AWARDS DINNER

MREA will recognize the 2016 Profiles of Excellence honorees at its Annual Awards Banquet on Nov. 14 at Cragun’s Resort in Brainerd. The awards banquet will be held in conjunction with MREA’s Annual Conference on Making Teaching Matter. Learn more and register.

The MREA Board of Directors reviewed nominations and selected the 2016 honorees based on their innovation, outcomes for rural students, collaboration and ease of adaptability. Learn more about the award and nominate a school program for 2017.