MREA will host a hospitality room at MDE’s Back to School Conference on Aug. 6. Join us from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the Fireside room for beverages, hors d’oeuvres and networking with other superintendents. The event is sponsored by GenerationReady, formerly known as Editure. Contact Diane at mrea@mnrea.org with any questions.
Levies: Steps to Take This Summer
By Fred Nolan, MREA Executive Director On May 30, Vernae Hasbargen, a lobbyist with MREA, wrote “The legislature’s game is over and now the ball is in our court.” Here’s a look at what that means and the steps school boards and superintendents should take this summer due to the legislative changes. To close the 5th -95th funding gap and provide … Read More
Apply for State Task Forces by July 23
MREA encourages you to be the Voice of Greater Minnesota Education and raise your hand to participate in one of the five statewide education task forces created as a result of this past legislative session. The application deadline is July 23. It is essential that rural Minnesota’s voice be present on each of these advisory and decision making bodies. In … Read More
School Board Levy Authority – We Got it, Now What Do We Do With It?
By Sam Walseth, MREA Lobbyist Governor Ventura’s now infamous “Big Plan” in 2001 included a state takeover of the general education levy whereby school property taxes were reduced and the state promised to pay the difference with new state revenue. The new revenue never materialized. The legislature didn’t adopt Ventura’s sales tax reform and then a decade of recessions, including … Read More
Heroes for Rural Minnesota Last Session
By Sam Walseth, MREA Lobbyist As the dust settles on the 2013, and there’s a lot of dust to settle, it’s clear that several rural legislators played instrumental roles in advancing public education goals supported by Minnesota’s rural education leaders. They deserve a “thank you” from school leaders. Our Requests MREA members developed a state policy platform last fall that … Read More
MDE Releases Resources on Impact of Session
MDE released Friday new resources, including new lookup table and district run, to help districts better understand how the legislative changes made last session impact them. This run reveals regional centers getting biggest percentage increase over the biennium compared to the base. Get more resources here. Tom Melcher, school finance director for the Minnesota Department of Education, also has been traveling the … Read More
Nominate an Innovative Project
MREA seeks to recognize an innovative program that got results in Greater Minnesota schools this past school year with its annual Profile of Excellence Award. Nominations are due June 14. View the submission requirements. MREA will recognize the 2013 recipient at its Annual Awards Banquet in November at Cragun’s on the Lake in Brainerd. The annual Profiles of Excellence Program aims to … Read More
Sign up for State Education Task Forces
The legislature established seven education task forces with the adoption of the E-12 Omnibus Bill this past session. MREA encourages members to serve on these important task forces. Please submit nominations to MREA by emailing the name, title, school district and task force name to mrea@mnrea.org. View the details of all of seven groups at outlined by law or learn more about … Read More
MREA Welcomes Diane Vosen as New Coordinator
MREA announced today Diane Vosen as the new administrative coordinator. Diane brings more than 20 years of experience in communication, organizational management and special events to MREA. She previously worked with the Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter, where she assisted with outreach and marketing, education program delivery, and special event coordination throughout 40 counties in western Minnesota. This included the … Read More
What Schools Need to Know on GRAD Requirements
A major focus of this session’s work revolved around graduation requirements. As this year’s class of seniors get ready to make the diploma walk, here are some things to keep in mind: Effective Dates The new E-12 bill amends MS 120B.02 (Educational Expectations and Graduation Requirements for MN Students) by eliminating the GRAD exams (MS 120B.30). This is effective August … Read More