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
Darrin Strosahl
Executive Director
Sam Walseth
Advocacy Director
Kayla Schoenberg
Communications Director
Meet Your Board of Directors
MREA’s Board of Directors is currently comprised of 22 members – 16 representative directors elected by the membership (4 per zone) and 6 statewide directors (higher education, agencies, education districts, and special) appointed by the Board. Director applications open in September, with elections held during December. View qualifications.
MREA Board of Directors
Photo taken at February 2024 MREA Board of Directors meeting at Lower Sioux Indian Community Government Center in Morton, Minnesota.
Member-Elected Positions
Jeffrey Lund
Administrator (Marshall County Central)
Term expires 12/31/2025
Jim Ferden
At-Large (Win-E-Mac)
Term expires 12/31/2026
Ryan Walseth
School Board (Thief River Falls)
Term expires 12/31/2027
Judith (Judy) Moeller
School Board (Parkers Prairie)
Term expires 12/31/2025
Sarah Bauck
Teacher (Waubun-Ogema-White Earth)
Term expires 12/31/2026
Melissa Sparks
At-Large (Henning)
Term expires 12/31/2028
Tammy Roth
Teacher (Morris)
Term expires 12/31/2025
Melissa Sunderman
School Board (New Ulm)
Term expires 12/31/2026
Jennifer Maras
At-Large (Morris)
Term expires 12/31/2027
Matt Schultz
At-Large (Lanesboro)
Term expires 12/31/2025
Craig Brenden
Teacher (Waseca)
Term expires 12/31/2026
Nels Onstad
Administrator (Wabasha-Kellogg)
Term expires 12/31/2027
Mark Swenson
School Board (Houston)
Term expires 12/31/2028
The Board meets 5-6 times in a calendar year, including at the Greater Education Summit. Meetings are held throughout Greater Minnesota and online. Additional special meetings may be called by the Board President.
2025 Board Meetings
- February 4-5 | Morris | Overnight
- May 6 | Online | 8am – 12 pm
- July 29-30 | Grand Rapids | Overnight
- October 7 | Online | 8 am – 12 pm
- November 16 | Brainerd (@ Summit Nov. 16-18)
Board-Appointed Positions
North, Higher Ed
Dr. Boyd Bradbury
Board President
Minnesota State University, Moorhead
Term expires 12/31/2028
Minnesota Education District Assn.
Doug Hazen
River Bend Education District, New Ulm
Term expires 12/31/2026
South, Agency
Cliff Carmody
Southwest-West Central Service Cooperative, Marshall
Term expires 12/31/2025
Special Appointment
Michelle Rinke Koch
Immediate Past President
Menahga School District
Term expires 12/31/2025
View Past MREA Presidents
| 2024 | Michelle Rinke Koch | |
| 2023 | James (Jim) Ferden | |
| 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.