MREA welcomes Rick Frederickson as president of the Board of Directors. He has been elected by the board to serve a one-year term and help lead MREA’s efforts as the voice of education in Greater Minnesota.
Frederickson currently serves as a school board member for Windom Public Schools while running a technology firm. We recently sat down with him to learn more about his involvement in MREA and goals for 2017:
What led you to join the school board?
I believe strongly in public education and its roll in forming well educated, contributing members of society. Every child should have the opportunity to get a good education. Windom Schools gave me that opportunity. I wanted to see what I could do to give back to the district and community.
What led you to join the MREA Board?
I went to an MREA annual conference and was hooked. Teachers, administrators, community members and school board members all working for the common goal of good rural education and students? I thought, “I want to be a part of that.”
What have you enjoyed most about your time with MREA?
Getting to know so many good advocates for rural education around the state. Even though we all come from different districts in different areas, rural schools share many things in common. We do more with less, we innovate, we collaborate and we learn from each other.
Why do you think it is important to be involved in MREA?
There are a lot of good reasons. A very informative annual conference featuring relevant topics and great speakers; and timely, insightful updates on issues that effect us are just a couple. However, I believe the most important reason is legislative advocacy. MREA is a strong voice in St. Paul for Greater Minnesota schools. Take one look at our legislative agenda and you’ll see why MREA is the leading advocate in Minnesota for rural education.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time when you are not serving MREA?
I run a small IT business in Windom. I like to read, camp, travel, spend time with my wife of 33 years, Sue, and sing in a Christian praise and worship band. I’m also the primary caregiver for my 85-year-old father.
What are you most looking forward to for MREA in 2017?
Serving our members. I want to be active at the State Capitol and advocate for our members. It will be a busy, rewarding year and I am honored to be a part of this great organization.
