We live, work, and serve in rural communities…on purpose. We are proud
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 non-metro school districts needed a focused voice in St. Paul to represent every student around the state.
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 Your Leadership Team
Bob Indihar
Executive Director
Diane Vosen
Operations Director
Sam Walseth
Advocacy Director
Kayla Schoenberg
Communications Director
Meet Your Board of Directors
MREA’s Board of Directors is comprised of 21 members – 16 representative directors elected by the membership (4 per zone) and 5 statewide directors (higher education, agencies, and education districts) appointed by the Board. Elections are held in the fall for a January 1 term start. View qualifications.
Back row, left to right: Matt Schultz, Lance Bagstad, Jim Ferden, Ryan Walseth, Dennis Laumeyer
Front row, left to right: Craig Brenden, Judy Moeller, Boyd Bradbury, Karen Jacobson, Sonia Wadena, Michelle Rinke Koch, Tammy Roth, Jeff Drake, Jeff Lund, Karla Beck
Member-Elected Positions
Jeffrey Lund
Administrator (Marshall County Central)
Term expires 2025
Sonia Wadena
Teacher (Bemidji)
Term expires 2025
Ryan Walseth
School Board (Thief River Falls)
Term expires 2023
Lance Bagstad
At-Large (Park Rapids)
Term expires 2024
Judith (Judy) Moeller
School Board (Parkers Prairie)
Term expires 2025
VACANT
Teacher, to be elected Fall 2023
Term expires 2026
Karla Beck
Administrator (Redwood Area)
Term expires 2024
Dennis Laumeyer
At-Large (Benson)
Term expires 2023
Becky Paluch
School Board (Ivanhoe)
Term expires 2026
Tammy Roth
Teacher (Morris)
Term expires 2025
Craig Brenden
Teacher (Waseca)
Term expires 2023
Todd Holthaus
Administrator (Hills-Beaver Creek)
Term expires 2023
Jake Thompson
School Board (Plainview-Elgin-Millville)
Term expires 2024
The Board meets 5-6 times in a calendar year, including the Annual Conference. Meetings may be held throughout Greater Minnesota or online.
2023 Board Meetings
- October 3, Online
- November 12, Brainerd (Special Meeting at Greater Education Summit)
2024 Board Meetings
- February 6-7, Redwood Area
- May 7, Online
- July 30-31, TBD North
- October 1, Online
- November 17, Brainerd (Special Meeting at Greater Education Summit)
Board-Appointed Positions
North, Higher Ed
Dr. Boyd Bradbury
Secretary-Treasurer
Minnesota State University, Moorhead
Term expires 2024
Minnesota Education District Assn.
Doug Hazen
River Bend Education District, New Ulm
Term expires 2026
View Past MREA Presidents
| 2022 | Matt Schultz | |
| 2021 | Karen Jacobson | |
| 2020 | Lance Bagstad | |
| 2019 | Lee Carlson | |
| 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
Progress
We advocate for impactful change and focus on results.
Collaboration
Our voice is stronger when we lead together.
Education
We are lifelong learners who believe vibrant schools create vibrant communities.
Rural Pride
We live, work, and serve in rural communities…on purpose. We are proud
of who we are and who we serve.
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.
Celebrating.
MREA elevates and celebrates the accomplishments of Greater Minnesota educators and districts. We share best practices and recognize excellence through our awards for teachers and innovative school programs.