MREA is excited to announce that seven new individuals have joined the MREA Board of Directors. MREA membership elected six new directors and appointed one director in voting that closed December 31, 2025.
The directors began their service January 1. They will attend their first MREA Board of Directors meeting on February 19-20.
New Elected Directors
Stacy Allmaras, Northeast Service Cooperative
School Board Representative, North Central | 2026-2029
Allmaras has been appointed by the MREA Board to a 4-year term as a school board representative. As Director of School and Youth Engagement at Lakes Country Service Cooperative, Allmaras works closely with leadership teams across nine counties and serve on the COMPASS Statewide Leadership Network, supporting schools with MnMTSS implementation and continuous improvement. She looks forward to expanding her work as a rural education ambassador because she cares deeply about belonging, opportunity, and the voice for every student, regardless of where they live. Staci, thanks for rural education passion and experience to MREA!
Jeff Granrud, Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted School District
Teacher Representative, South Central Zone | 2026-2029
Jeff Granrud begins a four-year term as a teacher representative on the MREA Board of Directors, bringing 28 years of mathematics teaching experience across middle and high school levels. A seasoned leader, he has served as Math Department Chair, PLC Facilitator, mentor, and lead negotiator. Deeply committed to rural education, Jeff looks forward to serving MREA through advocacy, policy engagement, and expanding teacher-driven leadership opportunities that strengthen and advance rural schools. Jeff was a 2024 MREA Educator of Excellence and was named 2025 National Rural Teacher of the Year! Thank you for giving back to rural education, Jeff!
Jake Hebeisen, Caledonia
Teacher Representative, South Zone | 2026
Jake Hebeisen is serving a one-year special appointment as a teacher representative on the MREA Board, completing the term of a retiring director. An eight-year educator at Caledonia Area Elementary, he teaches 5th grade math and science and brings experience in union negotiations, strategic planning, and data analysis. Passionate about statewide impact, Jake looks forward to advancing rural education through thoughtful policy engagement, advocacy, and strengthening opportunities for Minnesota’s rural students and schools.
Chris Mills, Thief River Falls Schools
Administrator Representative, North Zone | 2026-2028
Chris Mills is Superintendent of the Thief River Falls School District and begins a three-year term on the MREA Board of Directors. With 18 years of leadership on MREA’s Advocacy Committee and Board, he brings deep experience in school finance, policy, and rural advocacy. Chris is committed to ensuring rural voices are heard at the Capitol and looks forward to advancing funding equity, mandate relief, and sustainable staffing solutions for Minnesota schools. Thank you for your continued service to MREA, Chris!
Brit Schwab, Thief River Falls Schools
Teacher Representative, North Zone | 2026-2029
Brit Schwab, a special education teacher at Challenger Elementary in Thief River Falls School District, begins a four-year term as a teacher representative on the MREA Board. Specializing in Emotional and Behavioral Disorders since 2016, she leads PBIS, ADSIS, and staff training initiatives. Passionate about rural advocacy, Brit looks forward to strengthening educator leadership, expanding collaboration across rural districts, and championing equitable resources and sustainable supports for students and schools. Thank you for bringing your passion and energy to MREA, Brit!
Doug Storbeck, Granada-Huntley-East Chain
At-Large Representative, South Zone | 2026-2029
Doug Storbeck serves in an at-large position on the MREA Board for a four-year term. He is in his seventh year as superintendent and elementary principal of the Granada-Huntley-East Chain School District. With 12 years of district leadership experience and service on MASA’s Legislative Finance Committee, Doug is passionate about advocating for rural schools and looks forward to bringing that experience to MREA. He looks forward to strengthening teacher recruitment and retention, supporting student mental health, and elevating respect for the education profession across Minnesota’s small-town communities. Welcome, Doug!
New Agency Appointee
Steve Sallee, Southeast Service Cooperative
Agency Representative, South Central Zone | 2026-2029
Steve Sallee has been appointed as the South Zone Agency representative for a 4-year term. As Executive Director of Southeast Service Cooperative, Sallee leads the coop in providing exceptional services to school districts in Southeast Minnesota. He has been a leader in rural education for decades and is eager to help MREA advance their mission and bring equitable funding to Greater MN. Steve, thank you for serving on the MREA Board!