Thank you to MREA members who contributed to the platform formation at the Area Meetings in August and September. The facts and situations shared shaped the drafting of MREA’s 2014 platform. Two of the key areas raised by members during the meetings and being formulated in the platform include teacher quality and availability, and expanding education opportunities and closing the … Read More
Board Nominations Due Monday
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
Fixing the “Donut Hole” Inequity: Advocacy 101
By Sam Walseth, MREA Lobbyist School officials from around Greater Minnesota are fast becoming familiar with the term “donut hole” and what it means for 132 districts and their 147,000 students in this state. For those who aren’t yet aware, the “donut hole” makes up about a third of the state’s districts who don’t qualify for either the Small Schools … Read More
MREA Welcomes New Members
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
State Finished in Black: School Cash Flow Improves to 90/10
By Sam Walseth, MREA Lobbyist When campaigning last fall, the soon-to-be newly elected House DFL majority promised voters they would repay the school aid payment shift in full. This was a big promise and a daunting task, both fiscally and politically. Over $2.1 billion had been borrowed from schools through the “Great Recession” to help balance the state’s books. Before … Read More
$125,000 Funding Available for Rural Education
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
Healthy Projects Funding Available
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
Training on ACA Requirements
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
Joint Teacher Development and Evaluation Training
MREA has long advocated that school districts and teachers collaboratively develop teachers growth and evaluation plans that apply the state goals and mandates to your local context. If your district has not yet started to develop such a plan, or you feel you need a boost, teacher development and evaluation training is coming to a service cooperative close to you. … Read More
CLM Conference Calls for Presentations
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