MREA welcomes Todd Holthaus as president of the Board of Directors. He has been elected by the board to serve a one-year term and help lead MREA’s efforts as the voice of education in Greater Minnesota.

Holthaus currently serves as superintendent of Hills-Beaver Creek Schools in southwestern Minnesota. He has served in a variety of roles in education in Minnesota, including an educator, secondary principal, elementary principal and Community Education director.

He recently shared more about his career path, involvement in MREA and goals for 2018:

What led you to pursue a career in education?
My career in education was sparked by my ability to connect with young people. That ultimately turned into a desire to make a difference in their lives as an educator.

What led you to join the MREA Board?
MREA was up and coming when I first became involved.  Like others, I desired to be a part of invoking change. I witnessed MREA’s ability to do so and jumped aboard.

What have you enjoyed most about your time with MREA?
I’ve enjoyed much about my time with MREA.  Specifically, I’ve mostly enjoyed the tangible positive changes MREA has helped to bring about for  Greater Minnesota schools.

Why do you think it is important to be involved in MREA?
Advocacy. Bottom line is advocating for what we believe to be a great thing—rural Minnesota education. MREA actively pursues the necessary changes that will continue to improve our Greater Minnesota schools.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time when you are not serving MREA?
I enjoy tinkering with technology, spending time with my family, being involved with my church, and watching the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Vikings.

What are you most looking forward to for MREA in 2018?
In 2018, I look forward to actively promoting MREA’s legislative platform and realizing the items legislatively that have been prioritized.