The following individuals have applied for two open positions — Teacher and Administrator — for the South Zone on the 2016 MREA Board of Directors. To qualify, they must be a teacher or administrator (superintendent, principal. teaching and learning director, etc.) for an MREA member district in the South Zone.
Teacher Representative
Lee Carlson
St. James, Teacher
Serving on the board for MREA has been a tremendous opportunity for growth. I have worked hard to help MREA build and strengthen partnerships with other organizations, lobbied at the Capitol and regionally, served as the board rep for the American Indian Schools Advisory Committee, co-chaired an MDE work group as the MREA rep, and served on other committees and work groups on behalf of MREA. The growth of MREA has been incredible and serving our member districts is more important than ever. I would appreciate your consideration and support to re-elect me so I can continue working for MREA. I am committed to continue searching out ways to strengthen MREA as the voice for education in Greater MN and lead with advocacy for students, staff, and communities.
School Administrator Representative
Bill Adams
Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton, Superintendent
Since the 2014-2015 the Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton School District has been an MREA member. MREA takes representing Minnesota’s rural districts seriously. MREA’s expertise and guidance has been vital in my communication efforts to promote rural school needs. Our membership fees are well worth the expense based on the communication and advocacy we receive. Webinars and trainings are provided to keep rural school districts up to speed on financial and policy changes. I am running because I believe my talents can bring innovation outputs to the organization as a whole. My strengths are in communication, relationships, curriculum, policy, and technology. It is my intention to utilize these strengths to assist MREA in its continuous movement forward.
Joe Brown
Fairmont, Superintendent
I am serving my twenty-first year as a Minnesota school administrator, with 10 years as a secondary principal and 11 years as a school superintendent. I have served in Barnum, LeSueur-Henderson, Austin, Grand Meadow and Fairmont. I previously served in the Iowa State Senate from 1979-1986 and was ranking member and chair of the Senate Education Committee. I have been an active member and strong supporter of MREA. I greatly appreciate the good work that MREA does in providing relevant and timely position papers and in providing quality representation at the state legislature. It would be an honor to a member of the MREA Board of Directors.
Todd Holthaus
Hills Beaver Creek, Superintendent
In July 2014, the MREA Board appointed me to fill a mid-term vacancy. I am now seeking a four-year term. I am passionate about rural education, living and working as an elementary teacher, principal and superintendent in outstate MN my 25-year career. I serve as the Superintendent/Secondary Principal of the Hills-Beaver Creek District. Serving on the MREA Board has been a privilege and honor. Much has been accomplished — approved ability for added facility maintenance dollars, attention drawn to the quiet crisis of teacher shortages, reduction in state testing and added monies on the general education formula. I can provide a wide scope of knowledge and expertise for the ever-expanding needs of rural schools in Minnesota, and would greatly appreciate reelection.
Joel Timmerman
Jackson County Central, Principal
Resources for early education and early learning must be consistent and available to all students and families throughout Minnesota. I can present experiences, data, and results from our preschool programs that allow students much more confidence as they enter kindergarten, allowing for a more successful academic career. Family education and family development must also be addressed as we enter another legislative session. I am passionate about a quality and equal funding source for rural Minnesota schools. With declining enrollments and less state funding, we need alternatives to sustain quality educational programs. I am also passionate about the training and recruitment of highly qualified educators to compete and maintain high standards of success.