The following individuals have applied for the open position of At-Large Representative for the South Central Zone on the 2016 MREA Board of Directors. To qualify, they must be a resident or staff of an MREA member district in the South Central Zone.
At-Large Representative
Douglas Brands
Worthington, Teacher
I am currently in my 17th year of teaching high school math. I have been in Worthington for the last 14 years, and my first three years were spent in Milaca. I am also a middle school boys’ basketball and varsity track head coach. I have just started an Education Administration program this fall as well. I am looking at this position as an opportunity to learn more about the educational process from a legislative view point. As possibly becoming a building principal someday the knowledge I would gain from this opportunity would be extremely valuable. The chance to share my voice and the voice of my colleagues with our state representatives would be a great honor, if I were chosen for this position.
Steve Brisendine
Willmar, Community Education Director
My whole professional career and most of my life has been spent in Rural/Greater Minnesota. I have seen firsthand the importance and need for Greater Minnesota issues to be advocated for strongly at the Legislature and the Governor’s office. In my position you get plenty of opportunities to show why investments should be made in the people/programs that make up Community Education. I have been actively involved in the Minnesota Community Education Associations legislative work, including a two year stint chairing the RALLI Committee of MCEA. I have testified to both House and Senate Committees and met with legislative staffers and the Governor’s staff to provide input into legislative proposals that have been beneficial to our smaller Districts and rural areas of the state.
Bruce Houck
Hendricks, Superintendent
Serving three small school districts I believe I have a unique perspective to bring to the MREA Board. MREA is a very valuable organization and needs to continue to be valuable to its membership.
Kathryn Kelly
Olivia, Southwest-West Central Service Coop Board
I was a school board member in the BOLD School District during its consolidation. I am a Lifetime Member of MREA and served on its Board as a School Board and a Higher Education Representative and officer. I have instructed students preschool to elementary and university undergraduate to graduate levels, and at St. Cloud Men’s Correctional Facility and Mille Lacs Lake Reservation. I have mentored teacher candidates and now serve as an adjunct for Education at Southwest MN State University. I coordinated an alternate entry program for 300 first year students, supervised 20 instructors, and served as chief suspension officer. I have met with state and national legislators and testified for education and quality of life for rural Minnesotans.
Dennis Laumeyer
Benson, Superintendent
I strongly believe in the mission of MREA and the quality representation that MREA provides for its members. I believe that my 15 years as a teacher, five years as elementary principal, two years as high school principal, and now in my third year as a superintendent could provide the MREA Board a unique perspective on issues related to greater MN. I currently serve on the SW/WC Executive Council and the SW/WC Special Education Advisory Board. I have worked with MREA on issues such as property tax relief for land owners, facilities maintenance, teacher licensure for out of state teachers, and dual-enrollment.