MREA encourages its members to participate in the School Climate Survey conducted by the Minnesota Department of Education. Complete the 20-question survey about school climate, the importance of school climate and the resources needed to work on school climate. The deadline is 5 pm on Feb. 13. This web-based survey is anonymous and directed at superintendents, assistant superintendents, principals, assistant principals and … Read More
Governor Releases Education Plan
Governor Dayton released his proposed budget for the FY 16-17 biennium that would invest $343 million in education. Here’s a look inside the Governor’s plan for education: An increase to the general education formula by 1 percent in each year of the biennium, for a total cost of $174.4 million. Providing $109 million to expand four-year old preschool across the state. The Governor’s plan … Read More
MREA Testifies to Legislature on Results of AIW Project
MREA Executive Director Fred Nolan testified today to the Minnesota House Education Finance Committee on the value of Authentic Intellectual Work (AIW) and how its delivering results for Greater Minnesota schools. Kathy Belsheim, superintendent of Ogilvie Public Schools, joined MREA in outlining the outcomes seen in the district and specifically in reducing the achievement gap. AIW provides reflective professional development … Read More
Senate Bill to Fix Facility Fallout in 2015
By Sam Walseth, MREA Director of Legislative Action A bill presented at the Senate E-12 Committee meeting on Thursday would fix the facility fallout by phasing in the Alternative Facilities levy authority for the more than 300 districts currently not eligible for it. Existing deferred maintenance and Health and Safety programs and revenues would be phased out as the new … Read More
Governor Previews Budget Plans
By Sam Walseth, MREA Director of Legislative Action Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton on Friday gave a preview of his budget plan at the annual Children & Youth Issues Briefing, an event put on by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, the United Way and others. He told the large audience gathered that his budget plan (released Tuesday) will include $600 million for children … Read More
Urban-Rural Divide Grows Wider in Minnesota
The Star Tribune on Sunday published an article on the deepening urban-rural divide in Minnesota. The article comes after MREA released two maps, median household income and Free and Reduced Lunch (FRE), illustrating the issue. View the Star Tribune article. The map on median household income by school districts in the state reveals a 43 percent difference between rural and metro districts. Fifteen Greater Minnesota … Read More
Gaining School Calendar Flexibility in 2015
Recently, there has been considerable discussion about school district flexibility in creating school year calendars given the late Labor Day holiday and start dates for 2015, 2016 and 2017. If this is a concern in your district, MREA recommends your school board to adopt a resolution to start school before September 8, 2015, and to request legislators to enter a bill on behalf of the school … Read More
Testing Reduction Group Finalizes Recommendations
MREA Board Member Lee Carlson of St. James, who serves on the state task force on testing reduction, provided a recent update on the group’s progress. Last week the Testing Reduction Advisory Group wrapped up its work with the Minnesota Department of Education. The group looked at streamlining the assessment system while still maintaining high standards for Minnesota students. We all … Read More
Newly Elected Directors Join MREA Board
MREA’s Board of Directors will see new and familiar faces at its next Board meeting, thanks to MREA membership who elected two new directors and re-elected two directors to the Board during elections in December 2014. The Board also appointed a new director at its December 2014 meeting. New Directors Todd Holthaus, Administrator Representative, South Zone (1-yr. term) Holthaus was appointed by the MREA Board … Read More
Thanks for Visiting MREA at MSBA
Thanks to everyone who stopped by the MREA booth at the MSBA Leadership Conference last week. Representatives from 65 MREA member schools visited with MREA Board members Luther Heller, Todd Holthaus, Marvin Kleven, Chris Mills, Patty Stangl, and Mike Vasek at the booth and at the Regional Center Advisory Committee meeting. Members shared how much they are looking forward to the Annual Conference next … Read More