MREA announced today that it has named Bob Indihar as the next executive director to lead MREA, beginning this summer.
Indihar started his career teaching math and science at the secondary level in Detroit Lakes. He became principal of Moose Lake High School in 1998. Indihar has served as superintendent of Moose Lake Public Schools since 2012.
“Bob brings years of experience working in rural schools and is passionate about our mission at MREA,” said Lance Bagstad, president of the MREA Board of Directors and superintendent of Park Rapids Area Public Schools. “We welcome his energy and leadership as MREA continues to advocate for and support schools and students across Greater Minnesota.”
Rural Voice
Dr. Fred Nolan, MREA’s current executive director, will retire this summer after leading the organization for nearly a decade. During his tenure, MREA has grown from a membership of about 130 school districts to about 230 school districts as well as more than 90 education cooperatives, businesses and other advocates.
“Through my involvement in MREA, I have seen how rural schools can have a stronger voice when we work together,” Indihar said. “I have seen the benefits of MREA’s advocacy and I am looking forward to continuing to work with my colleagues across the state for a cause that I wholeheartedly believe in – improving rural education.”
Indihar received his bachelor’s in teaching from the University of Minnesota-Duluth and holds a specialist degree and a Masters in Educational Administration from Minnesota State University-Moorhead. He earned his superintendent degree from St. Mary’s University.
The MREA Board of Directors selected Indihar from a strong group of candidates. Finalists were interviewed by the Board in March and Indihar was unanimously approved as executive director.
