The only advocate exclusively for Greater Minnesota schools.

Under the leadership of school board members, administrators, teachers and community members, MREA focuses on advancing the education, growth, and development of learners in rural areas to bring about our best possible future.

2016-2017 Key Issues

Get the latest news on the issues affecting Greater Minnesota schools and efforts to bring about positive change in the lives of students. Together, we can make a difference.

Funding Student Needs

Featured Posts
March 28, 2024

Week 7: Halftime at the Capitol

March 28, 2024

HF 4986/SF 4995: Seasonal/Recreational Tax Base Replacement Aid

All Funding Student Needs

Early Learning

Featured Posts
February 20, 2021

Screen Time, Safe Schools Revenue Focus in Senate

February 14, 2020

Legislature Picks Up Pace, Sets Policy Agenda Early

All Early Learning

Facility Fallout

Featured Posts
October 19, 2020

48 Minnesota School Districts Have Referendums on Nov. 3 Ballot

July 20, 2020

Special Session Continues: School Levy Equalization

All Facility Fallout

Quality Teachers

Featured Posts
November 12, 2023

Fergus Falls Prairie Science Program Wins Innovation Award

November 12, 2023

Kasson-Mantorville Nature-Based Kindergarten Experience Wins Innovation Award

All Quality Teachers

Career & College Readiness

Featured Posts
March 7, 2021

Senate: Outside Group Access to Schools

August 12, 2020

MREA Schools Gain Key OnToCollege Resources

All Career & College Readiness

Student Opportunity Gaps

Featured Posts
October 29, 2023

2023 Innovation Program Award Honorees Announced

November 4, 2021

Bond and Operating Referendum Results are In

All Student Opportunity Gaps

I am very happy that we became a member of MREA. I am impressed, in particular, with the webinars that update us on what is happening at the capitol. It is apparent we have a great lobbyist in Sam. I appreciate your responsiveness to concerns that I have had in the short time I have been with MREA.

Bob IndiharSuperintendent, Moose Lake Schools

I love your information. I can glance at it on my mobile and read just the little bit to be informed. That’s all the time I have for. If it were longer, I wouldn’t read it.

Lori DudleyBoard Member, Worthington Schools

As school leaders, we appreciate your constant efforts to communicate what is happening at the State Capitol. You help us understand when we should contact legislators with concerns from the superintendents of public schools, when to express concerns, and when to thank them for what they accomplished. Minnesota superintendents have come to depend on MREA, your leadership, and thoughtful guidance.

James HessSuperintendent, Bemidji Area Schools

If someone would have told me a couple of months ago that we would see so many of the bills affecting rural schools pass through all these hurdles, I would have been shocked. Your advocacy has made this happen and I appreciate your efforts.

Bryan ThygesonSuperintendent, Dilworth-Glyndon- Felton School District

I want to express my profound gratitude to MREA for promoting this new [LTFM] revenue source. I think your work and the resulting legislation are exemplars of grownup governance. Keep it up!

Phil GrantSuperintendent, Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley