Aaron Sinclair | Little Falls
Experience with Current School/District: As the Director of School Leadership for Sourcewell, I lead program development and educational leadership supports for Region V school districts. My role involves building connections with leaders, developing educational programming, and fostering continuous improvement processes.
Experience in Education Sector: I have over 15 years of experience in driving innovation and solving complex problems across diverse sectors. My previous roles include serving as superintendent in the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District and assistant superintendent in Brainerd and Little Falls. This experience has allowed me to work with various school boards across multiple communities.
Experience in Rural Sector: I am deeply committed to rural education in the 5-county area of Region 5. I have served on several boards, including:
- Central Minnesota United Way: Partner for Student Success Advisory Board Member (2019-2021)
- Benton Economic Partnership Board Member (2019-2021)
- Sauk Rapids Rotary (2019-2021)
- St. Mary’s Church Religious Education Board Member (2017-2018)
- Purple Carrot Market Food Co-op Board of Directors (2016-2018)
Other Relevant Experience: In my current role, I frequently engage with educational leaders throughout central Minnesota. I have facilitated summits to bridge the gap between K-12 educators and industry leaders and led extensive community engagement processes. I have also successfully passed multiple bond issues in different school districts. I am honored to have been selected for the Minnesota Young American Leaders Program and awarded 2022 Change-Management District Leader of the Year.
Why MREA? I am committed to advancing rural communities, and serving with MREA aligns perfectly with my professional expertise and personal values. Rural schools are community hubs that foster social cohesion, economic resilience, and long-term sustainability. MREA’s mission to advocate for rural schools resonates with my belief that education is a cornerstone for vibrant communities.
What Excites You About MREA’s Work? The opportunity to collaborate with diverse education leaders and policymakers to address the unique needs of rural schools excites me. I am eager to elevate the concerns and aspirations of rural educators and students, advocate for equitable funding, and support teacher retention. MREA’s mission to empower rural schools is inspiring, and I am eager to contribute to this impactful work.
Challenges for MREA in the Next 4 Years:
- Addressing funding inequities for rural schools, ensuring they receive equitable resources.
- Teacher recruitment and retention, making rural districts more attractive to educators.
These challenges highlight critical areas where MREA’s advocacy and leadership will be vital in securing a stable and thriving future for rural education.
Opportunities for MREA in the Next 4 Years:
- Advocating for Rural-Focused Education Policy: MREA can influence state and national education policy to address the unique needs of rural schools. Engaging in legislative advocacy can help secure policies that address funding disparities, support small schools, and promote rural-specific solutions for transportation, staffing, and student services.
- Strengthening Community Partnerships for Holistic Student Support: MREA can foster partnerships between schools, local businesses, and community organizations. These partnerships can provide students with mentorship, internships, and real-world learning opportunities, while also addressing broader issues like mental health, food insecurity, and career readiness.
Expertise and Skills to Strengthen MREA’s Mission:
- Human Resources
- Marketing
- Public Speaking
- Strategic Planning