Nine candidates have applied for six open positions on the 2014 MREA Board of Directors. MREA sent ballots last week to all eligible voting members. This year each zone has at least one position that will open in 2014. Ballots were sent specific to a member’s zone and included only candidates vying for vacant positions in that district.
The candidates and their reasons for wanting to join the MREA Board are as follows:
NORTH ZONE
Administrator Representative (4-Year Term)
Mark Adams (Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin) – I have previously served in an at-large capacity. Currently, I am serving as the collaborative superintendent of two school districts representing 1700 students in northeast Minnesota. My experience brings broad perspective and practical knowledge of the unique needs in our rural schools. I would greatly appreciate consideration from you and the board for the opportunity to once again serve as the MREA representative for this area.
NORTH CENTRAL ZONE
School Board Representative – (4-Year Term)
Matt Bauer (Frazee-Vergas) – I am interested in the MREA Board position because of what MREA does for rural schools. They listen to the rural schools needs and are just focused on the rural schools; rather than trying appease the masses. It is truly the one group that has the best interests of just the rural schools. Because of this, I would like to be able to participate and provide insight to the organization and help be the voice for rural districts.
Ann Hiedeman (Breckenridge) – I am interested in serving this important organization, which seeks to puts learners first and be a united voice for supporters of rural education (students, parents, teachers, administrators, school board members, community members, etc.). I am also interested in the advancement of technological opportunities for rural districts to improve student learning and opportunity. With a background in human resources and higher education, I believe in the valuable partnership between schools and colleges/universities and the workforce to fully prepare our learners for post-secondary and career success. It would be my honor to serve as a board member.
Patty Stangl (Pierz) – I am from Morrison County and have been on the school board 11 years. My husband and I have raised our 5 children here. They had a wonderful education in our rural school district and benefitted from being in a community that values education. I would put any of our students’ education up against students raised in large cities. MREA has the values needed today for our children, and are innovative and creative in helping rural schools shine. I have attended almost every MREA conference since on the board. I am willing to step up and be an advocate for MREA to help make this great organization better however I am needed.
Teacher Representative – (1-Year Term)
Mark Frank (Menahga) – I am excited at the opportunity to join an educational team with an embedded “kids first” philosophy where I can offer my experience and collaborative team spirit to continuously improve instructional practice specific to rural Minnesota through the use of technology in the 21st century classroom.
SOUTH CENTRAL ZONE
Teacher Representative – (4-Year Term)
Brian Michelson (Tracy) – I am interested in this board position because I would like to become more active in influencing our legislature to help improve our educational system.
Monica Stueck (Montevideo) – It is important the rural Minnesota voice be represented when it comes to political issues. We need to understand the impact legislation has on us so we can advocate for ourselves. The other service we provide is the conference. It is a great way for educators to connect and learn about the issues and technology.
SOUTH ZONE
At-Large Representative (4-Year Term)
Eric (Rick) Frederickson (Windom) – During my term on the Windom Area Schools District 177 school board I’ve worked with and collaborated with neighboring districts. I also attended the 2012 MREA Conference. From those experiences I’ve come to realize the importance of rural school collaboration. Rural schools need a consistent, strong advocate in Saint Paul. My previous experience as board chair, current experience as clerk, as well as community involvement have created a belief that each of us needs to be involved with, and support, our rural schools and communities. That starts with me. I look forward to serving on the MREA Board of Directors as an advocate for all rural schools, and more importantly, all rural children.
School Board Representative (3-Year Term*)
Mike Hamilton (Plainview-Elgin-Millville) – I have served one year on the board of directors. My background experiences include 35 years of teaching in Plainview, school board member and board chairman. Over 40 years of coaching and officiating for the MSHSL.
Voting
Each full membership school district received three ballots for electing candidates. Each full membership agency also received three ballots to casts its votes as it chooses; associate and individual members received one ballot each.
All ballots must be postmarked by December 27, 2013. Ballots postmarked after this date will not be included in the election results.
Elections results will be qualified by the current MREA Board, and the new 2014 Board members will be announced in January.