Association Services
State and National Representation
MREA Represents Montana's Small and Rural Schools at both the state and national level. Although we are perhaps most visible to our members through our state office in Helena, MREA was also a charter member of the new National Rural Education Advocacy Coaltion (NREAC) providing represenation and information to our members on the national level.
Legal Counsel
Specializing in school law representing both the state association and also available to individual schools on an optional basis.
Communications
Monthly newsletters, detailed e-mail and internet-based updates of current issues affecting rural schools across our state are provided to members.
Health Insurance
MREA is preparing to endorse the upcoming merger of the MUST and MSHWP insurance programs. MREA has worked hard to protect the inteterest of our members in this year-long process. Please watch our On-Line Member Briefings and the Update for detailed information as this merger and our tentative endorsement of the program unfold this fall.
Meetings and Conferences
A variety of professional development opportunities are provided to members specifically tailored to the needs of rural schools. MREA's Summer Regional Educational Conference included over 300 educators from five Western states this past summer!
Federal Programs Assistance
MREA offers assistance to our member districts with the development and maintenance of the Comprehensive Educational Plans and Effectiveness Report requirements as well as assistance with the new "GASB" accounting requirements.
E-Rate Services
MREA continues to be very proud of sponsoring the invaluable services of Jack Sterling in assisting schools with the entire E-Rate application process. Jack is a very knowledgeable source of information regarding this federal program and our MREA schools have benefited tremendously from the assistance he has offered through this association service. Please feel free to contact Jack directly at 406-259-5399 or contact us here at the Helena office for more information.
Electronic Updates Available to Members
MREA provides Electronic Updates of the most recent educational developments occurring to its membership by means of E-Mail, Fax transmissions and this website. . Please use the update form located on our home page to send your complete e-mail address or fax number to be included on these mailing lists.
