Who makes up MREA?
MREA brings together teachers, administrators and school board members from across Greater Minnesota and partners with education cooperatives, higher education, nonprofits, businesses and community members.
How did MREA get started?
A grassroots organization, MREA was founded in 1985 by a group of school board members and administrators who believed that non-metro school districts needed a clearer voice in St. Paul and every student deserved a voice.
How Does MREA Serve Schools?
MREA serves school districts by advocating for the issues that matter to them, communicating changes and the impact they’ll have and providing high-quality professional development and networking.
Meet Our Team
Dr. Fred Nolan
Executive Director
Diane Vosen
Administrative Coordinator
Sam Walseth
Legislative Affairs Director
Dawn Zimmerman
Communications Director
Board of Directors
The MREA Board of Directors is comprised of 21 persons – 16 representative directors elected by the membership (4 per zone) and 5 statewide directors (higher education, agencies, and education districts) appointed by the Board. View membership zones.
Member-Elected Positions
Luther Heller
Administrator (Montevideo)
Term expires 2020
Susan Knutson
Teacher (Eden Valley-Watkins)
Term expires 2021
Dennis Laumeyer
At-Large (Benson)
Term expires 2019
Maydra Maas
School Board (Westbrook-Walnut Grove)
Term expires 2022
Lance Bagstad
At-Large (Park Rapids)
Term expires 2020
Michelle Rinke Koch
Teacher (Menahga)
Term expires 2022
Gary Gauldin
School Board (Park Rapids)
Term expires 2021
Gerald “Jerry” Ness
Administrator (Fergus Falls)
Term expires 2019
Kelly Berg
Teacher (East Grand Forks)
Term expires 2021
Tim Lutz
Administrator (Bemidji)
Term expires 2021
Mike Vasek
School Board (Fisher)
Term expires 2019
Jim Ferden
At-Large (Win-E-Mac)
Term expires 2022
Jim Jensen
School Board (Triton)
Term expires 2022
Matt Schultz
At-Large (Lanesboro)
Term expires 2021
The Board meets 5-6 times in a calendar year, including the Annual Conference. Meetings are held in St. Paul during the legislative session and in Greater Minnesota outside of session.
2019 Meeting Dates:
- February 20-21, St. Paul
- April 10-11, St. Paul
- July 23-24, Detroit Lakes
- October 28-29, Alexandria
- November 17-19, Brainerd (Annual Conference)
Board-Appointed Positions
South, Higher Ed
Wendy Schoolmeester
Southwest Minnesota State University – Marshall
Term expires 2019
Minnesota Education District Association
Karen Jacobson
Secretary-Treasurer
MN River Valley Ed District, Montevideo
Term expires 2022
View Past MREA Presidents
| 2018 | Todd Holthaus | |
| 2017 | Rick Frederickson | |
| 2016 | Jeremy Kovash | |
| 2015 | Chris Mills | |
| 2014 | Mike Vasek | |
| 2013 | Scott Vedbraaten | |
| 2012 | Rhonda Bonnstetter | |
| 2011 | Loy Woelber | |
| 2010 | Dawn Koennicke | |
| 2009 | Luther Heller | |
| 2008 | Curt Tryggestad | |
| 2007 | Tim Berg | |
| 2006 | Irv Peterson | |
| 2005 | Deb Andries | |
| 2004 | Lloyd Styrwroll | |
| 2003 | Dan Zimansky | |
| 2001-02 | Lee Warne | |
| 2000-01 | Dennis Drummond | |
| 1999-2000 | Corny Smit | |
| 1998-99 | Art Brandli | |
| 1997-98 | Gerald Ness | |
| 1996-97 | Jan Mussak | |
| 1995-96 | Marcia Jones | |
| 1994-95 | Herb Benz | |
| 1993-94 | Judy Nielsen | |
| 1992-93 | Maxine Penas | |
| 1991-92 | Linda Krabbenhoft | |
| 1990-91 | Jack Wysong | |
| Change from Chair of Board to President of MREA | ||
| 1989-90 | Olav Thormodson | |
| 1988-89 | JulAnn Meech | |
| 1987-88 | Harold Remme | |
| 1986-87 | Bruce Kasden | |
| First Chair 1985-86 |
Pat Mohn | |
Our Values
Putting Learners First
MREA supports legislation developed with students in mind and focused on helping them reach their potential.
Achieving Equity
MREA supports legislation that achieves equity of educational opportunity and funding for all.
Increasing Accountability
MREA supports legislation that increases student achievement and invests public money efficiently and effectively.
Encouraging Collaboration
MREA supports legislation that strengthens cooperation and flexibility to best meet the needs of learners and communities.
Keys To Our Continued Effectiveness
Advocating
Together with members, MREA identifies key issues impacting schools and works with legislative leaders to bring about positive change for students.
Communicating
MREA works to keep leaders informed on legislative changes, show the impact and how they can use their voice to make a difference.
Collaborating
MREA partners with a variety of organizations and individuals to address issues and provide better opportunities for students.
You can help.
Talk to your legislators, and invite them to your schools and facilities. Tell your story. Contact us today to learn more about how you get involved in MREA’s efforts.