Melissa Sunderman | School Board Member | New Ulm School District
- ECFE Parent Advisory Board
- DCAC Committee
- PTO (including as president)
- Chaperoning field trips
Experience in Education Sector: I am in my third term on the school board and have served on various committees:
- District Policy, DCAC, Community Ed, Staff Development, Insurance, and Negotiations
- River Bend Education District Board (represents seven school districts)
- MSBA Day at the Capitol, Annual Conference, Summer Seminar, and completed all four phases of board training
- Met with local legislators to discuss district concerns
Experience in Rural Sector: I have attended the MREA Fall Conference each year, gaining valuable insights directly related to rural districts.
Other Relevant Experience:
- Para sub within our district
- County public health board
- Local human rights organization
Why MREA? I am passionate about rural education and its role in fostering vibrant communities. I want to help other rural board members and advocate for our communities and districts.
What Excites You About MREA’s Work? MREA’s commitment to addressing the specific needs of rural schools and communities excites me. Their collaborative approach to advocating for policies that reflect the unique challenges rural educators face aligns with my passion for creating lasting, positive impacts in rural areas.
Challenges for MREA in the Next 4 Years:
- Ensuring fair and equitable state funding for rural school districts.
- Advocating with legislators to address the unique issues and concerns of rural districts.
Opportunities for MREA in the Next 4 Years:
- Advocating for funding for licensed mental health professionals in schools to ensure every student has access to this important resource.
Expertise and Skills to Strengthen MREA’s Mission:
- Event Planning
- Strategic Planning
I bring a wealth of experience from both classroom and administrative roles, enhancing my ability to contribute effectively to the board.