The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State has released new vacancies for state boards, councils and committees. Citizens in Greater Minnesota are encouraged to apply and serve. Current education-related vacancies are: SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST AND AUDIOLOGIST ADVISORY COUNCIL Vacancies: Four seats including: One Public Member One Member – engaged in the practice of audiology and the dispensing of hearing instruments in … Read More
Four MDE Grant Deadlines Approaching
The 2017 Legislature established a number of grant programs with one-time funding and the deadlines to apply are fast approaching. Four of these grants could benefit MREA members. They include: Support Students: Funding to hire student support services personnel. Due Aug. 25. Full Service Community Schools: To plan, implement and improve full-service community schools. Due Aug. 30 Teacher Governed Schools Planning: For licensed … Read More
Phoenix Rising? Talks of August Special Session Emerge
When legislative leaders left St. Paul before the Fourth of July, it looked like the prospects for a special session to pass revised Tax and Bonding bills were dead. Just after the Fourth of July, the Governor met with House Speaker Kurt Daudt and suddenly talks of a special session re-emerged. On July 15, Governor Dayton, Speaker Daudt and Senate Majority Leader Tom … Read More
MREA Announces Conference Breakout Sessions
MREA announced today the breakout sessions for the 2016 Annual Conference, “Making Teaching Matter.” More than 30 sessions will feature experts from inside and outside the classroom, providing insight and ideas on everything from reimagining classrooms to teacher recruitment to modifying curriculum. Making Teaching Matter also offers plenty of networking and development opportunities for a diverse audience of teachers, administrators, school board members and … Read More
184 Districts Apply for New Voluntary Pre-K Program
The Minnesota Department of Education released a report that 184 school districts and charter schools have completed applications for the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten program. MREA member districts represent 63 percent of that total with 115 applying. Applicants will be notified by MDE of their funding status by August 1. View MDE list of Voluntary Pre-K applicants. Funding and Selection Criteria The Legislature approved $25 … Read More
MDE Announces Grants for Support Staff, Community Schools
MDE announced two competitive grant opportunities with late August deadlines for application. Districts with needs for full-service community schools and for support staff such as counselors and nurses should review the applications and requirements. These competitive grants were part of the 2016 Supplemental Education Funding bill signed into law. In both of these programs, creating a district plan to sustain these programs … Read More
Legislative Issues to be Discussed at Fall Member Meetings
MREA will host 12 meetings this fall to gather input on the issues that matter most to our Greater Minnesota members. Teachers, board members, and administrators are encouraged to attend. Information from the 2016 Fall Member Meetings will be used to build MREA’s member platform for the 2017 legislative session. Participants also will discuss successes and challenges in member districts. These input sessions will be … Read More
Conference Registration Opens Today
Registration for the 2016 MREA Annual Conference: Making Teaching Matter opens today. Last year’s conference sold out so we encourage you to take advantage of the early bird discount and secure your spot. Save $180 when you register your team of three by Aug. 5. Names can be updated later. Register online. This year’s conference focuses on how teachers are redefining education and creating … Read More
New Maps Show Drop in Statewide Aid, Rise in Local Levies
MREA released maps today showing the wide range of aid, levy and revenue increases and decreases for Minnesota school districts since 2003. Differences in voter approved levies have resulted in a wide variation in revenue in districts in the state. State aid of all types, including the General Education Formula, have declined 10 percent or $1,016 per pupil between 2003 and … Read More
Special Session Talks Drift
Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton last week met with legislative leaders to negotiate terms for a special session, but their talks failed to make progress on the situation. Just over three weeks ago, Governor Dayton issued a list of additional bonding and spending projects he wants in a special session legislative package. The GOP has bristled at adding more spending in … Read More