Connections February 2026

Alicia Bredesen Honored with Award

Connections

Mobile Science Career Kits

February 2026 AI PD initiative

Partners in Progress

P4

P11

P13

SSC News Professional UpdatesLearning

There’s still time to register!

You won’t want to miss this incredible opportunity to learn from Erik Therwanger!

February, 2026 www.ssc.coop

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SSC News Professional UpdatesLearning

February, 2026 www.ssc.coop

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Wood Lake Meeting Center

Alicia Bredesen Receives Outstanding Customer Service Award Alicia Bredesen, longtime Wood Lake Meeting Center Coordinator, was recently honored with SSC’s Outstanding Customer Service Award for her commitment to providing exceptional, red-carpet service to meeting center clients. Known for her attention to detail and welcoming approach, Alicia ensures every customer has what they need to host a successful meeting or event.

SSC Executive Director Steve Sallee shared, “Alicia consistently goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional customer service. Her professionalism, empathy, and commitment to resolving customer needs have made a meaningful impact on both our customers and our team. She takes great pride in making sure the customer experience is top-notch in the Wood Lake Meeting Center.”

Congratulations, Alicia, and thank you for the care and excellence you bring to SSC every day!

February, 2026 www.ssc.coop

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Project Momentum

February, 2026 www.ssc.coop

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Project Momentum

February, 2026 www.ssc.coop

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Career Connected Learning News

When Learning Looks Like Real Life Across southeast Minnesota, classrooms are becoming places where students don’t just learn about the future—they practice it. They design products, weld to industry standards, serve real customers, manage inventory, and collaborate with professionals who do this work every day. And it’s changing what students believe is possible for themselves.

This transformation didn’t happen because of a new textbook or a one-size-fits-all program. It happened because educators and community partners said yes— to new ideas, new partnerships, and new ways of thinking about learning.

Over the past biennium, FutureForward™ Impact Grants helped schools across the region turn bold ideas into real-world learning experiences. Two years later, the impact is clear—not just in numbers, but in confidence, connection, and opportunity.

Inside Classrooms Where Learning Meets the Real World In Albert Lea, students step into welding labs equipped with industry-grade technology. They learn blueprint reading, joint design, and multiple welding techniques—skills aligned directly to regional manufacturing needs. One student, facing challenges outside of school, found confidence and purpose through hands-on learning and is now pursuing further training at Riverland Community College.

In Byron, middle school students operate a Design Studio that functions like a small business. They design, manufacture, market, and sell products for real clients. Students manage deadlines, practice teamwork, and even raise money for nonprofits they care about.

“I never thought about owning my own business until this class showed me it was challenging but doable,” shared one student.

Elsewhere in Byron, learning moves outdoors. A food truck and wood-fired oven become classrooms where students explore the hospitality and food service industries, learn networking skills, and earn food safety credentials. As one student put it, “How many other kids get this type of experience at their school?”

A Byron student hard at working in the culinary arts.

In Hayfield, Viking Ventures brings together agriculture, business, fabrication, and technology through a student-run enterprise and fab lab. What began as an idea is now a growing program where students learn transferable skills—problem-solving, communication, creativity—that apply across industries.

Students are also stepping into real-world science and research environments through a partnership with The Hormel Institute. Through a biomedical lending library and teacher externships, classrooms across the region are gaining access to industry-level research tools and curriculum. Students are exploring PCR techniques, virus imaging, and laboratory research— opening doors to careers in biomedical science they may not have previously considered.

One student reflected on the experience, “Skills learned have been invaluable to future career and planning.”

Across all of these projects, one thing is consistent: when learning mirrors real life, students rise to the occasion.

Small Grants. Big Shifts.

The impact of these projects goes beyond individual classrooms.

Continued on next page...

February, 2026 www.ssc.coop

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When Learning Looks Like Real Life continued...

Content Experts Featured in This Article :

By the Numbers:

Sean Gaston, Jeff Jenson (CTE Welding & Manufacturing Pathways)

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Byron – BMS Design Studio

Career Connected Learning News

• • • •

2,920 students engaged in career-connected learning experiences.

321 students earned certifications or college credit.

Programs grew from zero to dozens of students in just two years.

17 industry, community, and postsecondary partners actively engaged. $55,000+ leveraged in additional cash and inkind support

These grants didn’t just fund equipment or activities— they helped districts and partners build systems that last. Updated tools aligned classrooms with industry and research standards. Curriculum evolved to support deeper learning. Educators gained new expertise they could bring back to their classrooms.

Enrollment grew as students saw relevance and opportunity.

As one educator shared plainly: “We wouldn’t exist without it.”

The Ecosystem Effect None of this work happens in isolation.

Local manufacturers mentor students. Restaurants and grocery stores open their doors. Chambers of commerce, foundations, and postsecondary research institutions invest time, resources, and expertise.

Industry and community partners don’t just support these programs—they help shape them.

Educators act as architects, connecting classroom learning to community and workforce needs. Students see adults collaborating across sectors, modeling the very skills they’re being asked to develop.

“It’s about doing the right work to give students new and unique experiences.”

-Ryan Radtke, Byron Public Schools That mindset—shared across districts, disciplines, and partners—is what makes this work sustainable.

February, 2026 www.ssc.coop

Albert Lea – Sparks for Success

Katie Donlin, Marcus Leloux, Jeremy Daggett (Middle School Design, Entrepreneurship & Manufacturing) Byron – Innovative Career-Connected Learning in the Outdoors

Ryan Radke (Food Systems, Hospitality & Community Partnerships) Hayfield – Viking Ventures

Jack Crowson, Jana Wagner (Student-Run Enterprise, Fab Lab & Cross-Disciplinary CTE) The Hormel Institute – Lending Library & Teacher Externships

Kelly Vincelette (Biomedical Research, Science Careers & Teacher Professional Learning)

Looking Ahead The most powerful outcome of the FutureForward™ Impact Grants may be what comes next.

When students experience learning that feels real, they begin to imagine futures they hadn’t considered.

When educators see what’s possible, new ideas start to take shape. When communities and research partners witness students engaging in meaningful, high-level work, partnerships deepen.

These stories are proof that career-connected learning doesn’t belong to one subject, one grade level, or one pathway. It belongs wherever educators and partners are willing to connect learning to life.

And across southeast Minnesota, that work is already well underway.

What Could Be Next?

Across the region, educators are bringing forward bold ideas that connect learning to real-world pathways. On February 11, teachers will share their own career-connected learning ideas—and help shape what’s possible for students next. Attend and cast your vote at the FutureForward™ Pitch Competition taking place at the STEM Forward Educator Forum.

Click here to learn more or register.

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Career Connected Learning News

Help Shape the Future of Student-Centered Career Innovation Across southeast Minnesota, educators are already proving what’s possible when learning connects to the real world.

From student-run businesses to industry-aligned classrooms and community partnerships, bold ideas are turning into meaningful opportunities for students.

Now, there’s a new way for educators to bring those ideas forward. On February 11, SSC will host the FutureForward™

February, 2026 www.ssc.coop

Pitch Competition—a live, educator-centered opportunity designed to surface innovative career-connected learning ideas and connect them to funding, partners, and momentum.

We have our Pitch Finalists! Come see their ideas, and cast your votes to support the two student projects that will awarded the grand prize of $10,000 to make their ideas come to life. Click here to register!

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Career Connected Learning News

FutureForward™ Career, College, and Job Fair - March 3 You are invited to bring students to the FutureForward™ Career, College & Job Fair at Cannon Falls High School on March 3 . This hands-on, careerconnected learning experience brings students together with regional employers, colleges, and training providers to explore careers, education options, internships, and entry-level jobs aligned with real opportunities close to home. Students will attend this fair to connect directly with industry professionals, ask questions, and learn about pathways from the classroom to local careers.

2025 Event Highlights •

1,200+ students from across Southeast Minnesota

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13 participating schools

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104 employers, colleges & training partners

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Overall rating: 9.1 out of 10

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Net Promoter Score: 73.5 (world-class)

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73% of students reported actively exploring careers—but seeking more hands-on experiences

February, 2026 www.ssc.coop

In 2025, more than 1,200 students from 13 schools participated, resulting in high engagement and strong educator satisfaction. Schools rated the experience 9 out of 10, citing meaningful conversations, exposure to multiple pathways after high school, and increased student clarity around next steps. FutureForward™ helps students move beyond awareness to real-world relevance—supporting exploration, exposure, and experience while strengthening connections between schools and the regional workforce.

Click here to attend the event.

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STEM Updates

February, 2026 www.ssc.coop

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STEM Updates

Outstanding Educator Awards Five southeast Minnesota educators were nominated for the 2025-2026 Outstanding Educator Award hosted by STEM Forward (formerly RAMSP), which recognizes K-12 professionals who strive toward the highest levels of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) excellence within their schools and community, with a focus on initiative and continuous improvement in every aspect of their work.

Outstanding Educator recipients foster high K-12 student achievement, exhibit leadership and support for continuous improvement, promote STEM careers, and demonstrate collaboration among K-12 schools, businesses, and postsecondary education.

This year’s nominees are: Andrea McKichan, Austin Public Schools Jane Carlson, Austin Public Schools Peter Johnson, Pine Island Schools

February, 2026 www.ssc.coop

Riley Buchheit, Stewartville Public Schools Zach Brown, PlainviewElgin-Millville Schools

This award is presented

by Southeast Service Cooperative’s STEM Forward. STEM Forward is a collaborative group of southeast Minnesota K-12 school districts, post-secondary institutions, and community partners like Mayo Clinic, IBM, The Hormel Institute, and Workforce Development, Inc, who work together to promote STEM excellence in our K-12 schools.

The Outstanding Educator Awards event will be celebrated at the 34th Annual STEM Forward Gathering on February 18, 2026, at The Workshop in Rochester.

Email or call (507) 910-9587 Vic Dreier for more information.

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STEM Updates

New Programs STEM Forward in 2026 Join the Movement: Advancing AI Literacy for All SSC invites K–12 educators and administrators in southeast Minnesota to participate in Advancing AI and Computer Science Literacy for All—a groundbreaking professional development initiative designed to prepare schools for a future shaped by artificial intelligence.

Participants will join a select cohort for bimonthly sessions blending structured learning, peer collaboration, and realworld application. Together, we’ll explore ethical AI use, leverage AI tools for personalized learning, and connect classroom experiences to emerging careers.

This program empowers educators to:

Your insights will help shape a Regional K–12 AI and CS Literacy Plan, ensuring sustainable, inclusive implementation across districts.

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Build foundational knowledge of AI and computer science concepts.

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Gain practical strategies for integrating AI into classrooms across all subjects.

Why join?

Lead the way in preparing students for a rapidly evolving digital world. Equip yourself with the skills and confidence to integrate AI responsibly and equitably.

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Earn a nationally recognized AI for Educators micro-credential through hands-on projects.

Limited spots available—be part of the future of education!

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Collaborate with peers to share best practices and address equity in CS education.

For details and registration, click here.

Bring Drone Technology to Your Classroom – Join Our Southeast MN Initiative!

Phase 1 Pilot Program: The hum of a drone signals a new economy taking flight in Southeast Minnesota—and your classroom can be part of it.

We’re launching the Drone Technology Education and Competition Initiative, a program designed to empower educators and students with hands-on experience in autonomous technology and real-world problem-solving.

Why Join?

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Professional Development with Stipends: Full-day summer training + online modules designed with industry experts.

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Access to Drones Without Big Costs: Use our STEM Forward-managed lending library.

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Real-World Connections: Collaborate with law enforcement, utilities, and industry leaders on authentic challenge scenarios.

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Pilot educator program with industry and educator trainings

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Up to 24 teachers will receive stipends for summer PD.

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Co-create challenge scenarios that connect classroom learning to careers.

Phase 2 Competition: •

SE Minnesota Regional competition in Spring 2027 with grants for new teams.

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Real-world challenges on an international stage.

This isn’t just about drones—it’s about launching careers and building a resilient workforce. By investing in teachers and students now, Southeast Minnesota stays at the forefront of technology.

Interested? Email or call (507) 910-9587 Vic Dreier to secure your spot in the pilot program!

Student Engagement: Prepare teams for the REC Foundation Drone Competition and capstone projects tied to Minnesota challenges.

February, 2026 www.ssc.coop

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STEM Updates

Minnesota STEM Ecosystem Awards Partnership Grants to Expand

By Emily Saed The Minnesota STEM Ecosystem has awarded 14 new Partnership Grants to organizations across the state, investing more than $700,000 in STEM education and workforce development. Grant awards range from $10,000 to $130,000 and support programs that connect students and educators with real-world, in-demand career pathways and emerging technologies.

Made possible through an investment from the Minnesota Legislature, the Minnesota STEM Ecosystem Partnership Grants are focused on expanding access to high-quality, hands-on STEM learning. The goal is simple: help young people across Minnesota see how what they’re learning today connects to the jobs and industries shaping tomorrow.

Over the next two years, the Minnesota STEM Ecosystem will work alongside more than 50 STEM learning partners across the state to strengthen the skills, experiences, and confidence young people need to thrive in Minnesota’s innovation economy. These partnerships support learning both inside and outside the classroom, helping students explore career options while building practical, futureready skills.

Grant funding will help support and expand programs such as: •

STEM internships connected to in-demand career pathways, giving students real workplace experience.

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Robotics, drones, virtual reality, and other hands-on learning opportunities that prepare youth for real-world STEM careers.

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AI-focused professional learning to equip educators with tools for modern, 21stcentury instruction.

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Educator externships in STEM and emerging technology sectors, allowing teachers to spend time in industry settings and bring those experiences back to their classrooms.

These investments come at a critical time. Across Minnesota, nearly 40% of job openings are in STEM-related fields, yet fewer than 40% of high school graduates currently meet STEM career readiness benchmarks. The gap is even wider in Greater Minnesota, where access to advanced coursework, technology, and industry connections can be limited.

By supporting innovative programs and strong local partnerships, the Minnesota STEM Ecosystem aims to close that gap—creating clearer pathways from education to employment and ensuring students in every region have opportunities to explore, experience, and succeed in STEM careers.

The Partnership Grants also strengthen collaboration across schools, nonprofits, higher education, and industry, helping communities align education with workforce needs while responding to rapidly changing technology and labor markets.

To learn more about the programs and organizations funded through the Minnesota STEM Ecosystem Partnership Grant Program, visit stemmn.org.

The Minnesota STEM Ecosystem is excited to announce the release of the AESA Book; STEM Century: It Takes a Village to Raise a 21st Century Graduate – AESA Edition!

The STEM Ecosystem was lucky enough to be invited to be a contributor in the Minnesota Chapter focused on the relationships — between students and mentors, schools and industries, learning and opportunity — that anchor our STEM and CTE work. These connections are what turn programs into pathways!

The book is available now on Amazon.

February, 2026 www.ssc.coop

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SSC Updates News

Welcome to SSC !

Sarah Joyner

Project Momentum Program Assistant Sarah works as the Program Assistant on the Project Momentum team at SSC. She is eager to see multilingual learners thrive in the classroom and beyond, and believes that begins with the quality and care behind the instruction they receive. Sarah earned her degree in Teaching English as an Additional Language from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia in 2020. She started volunteering in the multilingual education field in college, and quickly fell in love with the work and the population being served, realizing they were also enriching her life in unimaginable ways. Sarah transitioned back to Minnesota living in 2020, taking a position as a student teacher at Shakopee Public Schools in the EL department. Once complete with her training there, she taught in the non-profit sector in St. Paul. She taught ABE classes during the day, and worked at the rock-climbing gym at night! Her longest chapter in her career has been supporting the students at Hubert H. Humphrey Job Corps Center, where she started as the Reading Instructor and moved into the Academic Manager position thereafter.

While there, she learned the importance of advocating for those who have been previously marginalized, and giving those students the power to rewrite their story. In her free time, Sarah enjoys chasing after her red-headed 20month old daughter Annika, traveling, experimenting with sourdough, rock climbing, and learning anything new she can.

Mitch Lentz

SSC Board Member Mitch was elected as a Fillmore County Commissioner in 2015. Before retiring, he spent 45 years working for IBM. A third-generation farmer, Mitch and his family operate a cow/calf operation and grow corn and hay on the Lentz Family Farm in rural Spring Valley, where he lives with his wife, Roberta. They have two sons and four grandchildren: Michael and his daughter Skylar, and their youngest son Thomas and his wife Victoria, along with their three boys, Landon, Griffin, and Miles. Mitch feels especially blessed to have family nearby, helping and working together on the farm. During the summer, Mitch enjoys time at the family cabin in northwest Wisconsin. He and Roberta stay busy cheering on their grandchildren in football, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, and softball. Mitch also remains an active volunteer with the Kingsland School District.

Save the date for the 39th Annual

Young Authors, Young Artists Conference

May 19-21, 2026 Students in grades 3-5 are welcome to join in learning from over 14 professionals in their field. Some topics include: sculpting, comic drawing, creative storytelling, pastel and acrylic painting, origami, song writing, and so much more!

Catalog of Events

February, 2026 www.ssc.coop

For more information please visit: www.ssc.coop/student-programs/yaya

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Well-Being

Have your insurance through MHC/ Medica? Apply to feel better, have more energy, and live a healthier life!

Miss our latest SSC/SCSC wellness newsletter? Click here to access it.

February, 2026 www.ssc.coop

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COMPASS/School Supports

Welcome Kayla Bloome - Equitable Access Specialist My name is Kayla Blomme, and I’m thrilled to serve as your Equitable Access Specialist – Special Education for the SWWC, Southeast, and South Central regions.

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A little about me:

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4 years as a school and family counselor.

Experience as an RBT in an ABA clinic in Chicago.

5+ years with the South Dakota Division of Developmental Disabilities.

BA in psychology with a minor in child and family studies.

I live in Tyler, Minnesota with my husband Tyler and our two daughters, Britton (3) and Remi (1).

My Role

I help ensure students with disabilities truly access and engage with High-Quality Tier 1 Instruction. Here’s what that means: •

Asset Mindset: Can ALL students access Tier 1? YES!

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Systems Change: Partnering with districts to help them improve access, outcomes, and inclusive practices to better meet the diverse needs of all learners. (We are not part of the Special Education Division and do not assist districts with compliance.)

Critical Questions: Who is missing from instruction right now—and why?

Let’s Connect!

I look forward to collaborating with you and supporting the amazing work happening across our regions! Email me at Kayla.Blomme@swwc.org.

FREE Professional Development Online courses!

Minnesota Department of Education Office of American Indian Education Tribal Relations training MDE worked with the Tribal Sovereignty Institute at the University of Minnesota Duluth on developing the course, which covers the fundamental contexts and concepts in seven learning modules. The goal of the eLearning course is to better equip K-12 educators, staff and administrators to serve Native learners and families. The course will allow participants to cultivate knowledge about Native people and nations that they can use when teaching and for engaging with Tribal governments.

American Indian History and Culture / Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) Key Concepts and Terms The first eLearning course from the Office of American Indian Education on Key Concepts and Terms for Indigenous-oriented education is now available. Educators who complete this course can earn one continuing education unit (CEU) credit. The course is endorsed by PELSB to count toward the new license renewal requirement specific to American Indian History and

Culture. Self-register for the course on Canvas here or sign-up through an existing Canvas account with the join code YBTYR9. You DON’T need an existing Canvas account.

Federal Indian Policy The second eLearning course on Federal Indian Policy, helps educators have a better cultural and historical understanding as it relates to American Indian Policy today. Educators who complete the course can earn 1.5 continuing education unit (CEU) credit. Self-register for the course here or sign up through an existing Canvas account with the join code 4JR34P. You DON’T need an existing Canvas account.

Any questions? Email Jodie Sheets.

Office Hours to Support Mental Health in Schools Office hours are now available to support schools in understanding, implementing, and seeking Medical Assistance reimbursement for eligible mental health services provided in schools as part of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) for our students. This open forum will be held virtually and is intended for any school staff throughout Minnesota. Staff from DHS Behavioral

February, 2026 www.ssc.coop

Health Administration will be present to provide guidance and partnership for school staff in navigating new and existing behavioral health opportunities as needed.

These drop-in meetings will take place from 3:00 to 4:00 PM on the second Monday of each month. No registration is necessary. To attend, visit this Mental Health in Schools Dropin “Office Hours” Webex link.

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SSC News Mental Updates Health Supports

We’d like to remind you of our partnership with TalkPath Live, which offers a variety of services for students, including: •

Speech therapy

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Occupational and physical therapy

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APE

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Behavioral and mental health counseling

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LCSW services

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Physchoeducational assessments

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Assistive technology

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Early intervention services

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Preschool RTI services Click here to learn more.

Southeast Minnesota School Crisis Response Team - Help is Available The SE Minnesota School Crisis Response Team is a group of specially trained professionals that are ready to assist districts and schools when they experience an event such as a student or staff death. The team recognizes that each district has a crisis emergency plan in place. The school crisis response team functions in a different capacity, as they are unattached to the district and do Catalog of Events not have strong emotional ties to the students or staff. There are currently 15 professionals (school social workers, counselors, ) who serve on the team.

February,2026 www.ssc.coop

View this brief video to learn more.

Contact Nicole LaChapelle-Strumski to learn more or in the event of a crisis at your district.

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Health and Safety/Cooperative Safety Purchasing

New Grant Available to Help Minnesota Schools & Child Care Facilities Reduce Lead in Drinking Water Schools and child care facilities are required to test drinking water for lead under Minnesota Statutes §145.9273 and can now access MDH grant funding to help pay for remediation projects.

funding to make necessary improvements and protect the children in their care.

How can IEA assist?

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By Chris Berry Senior Environmental Technician, IEA, Inc.

Schools and child care facilities now have a valuable opportunity to improve drinking water safety with funding from the MDH Lead in Water Remediation Grant. This grant helps facilities address lead in drinking water by funding projects such as: •

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Replacing or removing drinking water fixtures and outlets Updating plumbing materials that contain lead Installing automatic flushing devices to reduce water stagnation

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IEA can assist in the development and implementation of MDHcompliant lead in water sampling plans for your school or child care facility.

We provide lead in water testing with clear reporting of results and guidance for next steps.

Contact us today to discuss your site’s needs, determine if testing is due, and explore how grant funding can support remediation efforts.

For inquires, email or call (507) 281-6682 Angie Radel at the Institute for Environmental Assessment.

Facilities that have not tested their water recently—or have identified elevated lead levels—can use this For more details or to apply, visit the MDH website: Lead in Water Remediation Grant

CPC Forms Contract with True North Water Treatment True North Water Treatment provides steam boiler treatments, cooling tower chemicals and closed loop corrosion inhibitors and glycol mixes by the pail, drum, tote, or tanker. True North Water Treatment also offers a full range of water treatment equipment including chemical feed controllers, metering pumps, water meters, injection quills, corrosion monitoring systems and side stream filter units. True North Water Treatment can also help with discharge permits in certain municipalities and offers a full range of lab testing as well as on-site service as needed.

CPC Member Benefits: •

20% discount on products and services for HVAC Water Treatment needs.

October, 2024 February, 2026www.ssc.coop www.ssc.coop

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Free consulting services on engineering and design work for water bound HVAC systems for new buildings and building renovations.

Learn more about CPC's contract with True North Water Treatment ->

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SSC Board Actions and Information In addition to routine fiscal and business actions, the Board took the following actions in recent meetings. Complete SSC Board of Directors meeting minutes are available on the SSC website at www.ssc.coop.

$6,185.42 from MN State Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence at Bemidji for Career Connected Learning, and acceptance of $6,000 from SEMAC to support the 2026 YAYA Elementary conference.

November •

Approved the SSC audit report.

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Approved the SEMNET audit report.

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Approved agenda items 5.2.1 through 5.2.7.

These included the acceptance of the following: $2,500 from Southeast Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council for the Welding Competition, $2,500 from Volkswagen of Inver Grove Heights for NitroX, $2500 from Buerkle Honda for NitroX, $5,000 from People’s Energy Cooperative for Solar Suitcase, in-kind donation with value of $660 for YAYA Elementary, $88,000 from the Sauer Family Foundation to support Project Momentum, and $2,00 from Mayo Clinic for the Career Connected Learning Event: Discover Healthcare 2026.

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Approved the vacation cash out language.

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Approved the opening and posting of Graphic Design and Project Assistant positions for Project Momentum.

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Approved board nominations for Bree Maki, Jason Marquardt, Brian Grudem, and Mitchel Lentz.

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Approved the waiver of mailing paper ballots and cancellation of the Canvassing Committee meeting.

December •

Approved the acceptance of $2,000 from Mayo Clinic Community Contributions to support STEM Forward Educator Forum, acceptance of

Moved the January board meeting date from January 28 to January 21.

January •

Approved committee appointments: Bree Maki - Chair Jean Roth - Vice Chair Brian Grudem - Clerk Jason Marquardt - Treasurer

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Accepted sponsorship of $2,500 from Heppner’s Auto Body and Glass to support Nitro X.

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Accepted sponsorship of $12,614.30 from Mayo Clinic Community Contributions to support the Outstanding Educator Awards; Future Forward Career, College, and Job Fair; Forge Welding competition; and Industry Partner of the Year event.

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Approved the hiring of Sarah Joyner as Program Assistant for Project Momentum.

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Approved the 2026-2027 Board Meeting Schedule.

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Approved the 2027-2028 Board Meeting Schedule.

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Approved the 2026 Staff Handbook Revision.

Please visit our website for more information.

The information listed here is only a summary.

The full text is available for public inspection at SSC’s administrative offices.

SSC Service Consultants Brittani Locke Health Insurance Coordinator blocke@mnhc.gov

Angie Radel Regional Manager, IEA angie.radel@ieasafety.com

February, 2026 www.ssc.coop

Sue Peterson ISG Strategy Specialist Sue.Peterson@ISGInc.com

Connections is a publication of the Southeast Service Cooperative, published three times per year for members, associates, and the general public.

Editor: Nicole LaChapelle-Strumski, nlachapelle@ssc.coop

Southeast Service Cooperative 210 Wood Lake Drive SE Rochester, MN 55904 Phone (507) 288-1282 Fax (507) 288-7663

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM www.ssc.coop

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About Southeast Service Cooperative Southeast Service Cooperative Staff Steve Sallee Executive Director ssallee@ssc.coop

Isabella Anderson Eggen COMPASS Equitable Access Specialist (Multilingual Learners)

Alicia Bredesen

Jessica Denter

Meeting Center Coordinator

COMPASS Regional MnMTSS Lead

abredesen@ssc.coop

jdenter@ssc.coop

ieggen@ssc.coop

Vic Dreier

Erik Durand

Christi Fosland

Amy Grover

Regional STEM Specialist

COMPASS Regional Math Lead

Educational Support Coordinator

Associate Director

vdreier@ssc.coop

edurand@ssc.coop

cfosland@ssc.coop

Chris Hancock

Katie Hartman

Katie Hendrickson

Joe Jezierski

Manager of Accounting and Payroll chancock@ssc.coop

Manager of Student Programs

Creative Media Solutions Coordinator

COMPASS Climate and Culture Lead

khartman@ssc.coop

khendrickson@ssc.coop

jjezierski@ssc.coop

Sarah Joyner

Ashley Karlsson

Kendra Katnik

Kari Kubicek

Project Momentum Program Assistant

Project Momentum Director

Regional Funding Manager

sjoyner@ssc.coop

akarlsson@ssc.coop

Project Momentum Implementation and Instructional Lead kkatnik@ssc.coop

Nicole LaChapelleStrumski

Melanie Lawrence

Jeannie Meidlinger

Christine Meshak

COMPASS Culturally Responsive Instructional Leadership Lead mlawrence@ssc.coop

Career-Connected Learning Specialist

COMPASS Regional Literacy Network Coach

jmeidlinger@ssc.coop

cmeshak@ssc.coop

Gina Morken

Cindy Mullins

Sarah Ness

COMPASS Regional Supervisor

Manager of Strategic Partnerships

gmorken@ssc.coop

COMPASS Continuous Improvement Lead cmullins@ssc.coop

Merissa Russie

Emily Saed

Allison Schmidt

Mike Schnell

Project Momentum Licensure Pathways Specialist mrussise@ssc.coop

MN STEM Ecosystem Director

Career-Connected Learning Specialist

esaed@ssc.coop

COMPASS Regional Literacy Network Coach aschmidt@ssc.coop

Jami Schwickerath

Carol Swanson

Kim Swanson

Claudia Tabini

COMPASS Regional Literacy Lead

Accounting Assistant

cswanson@ssc.coop

kswanson@ssc.coop

Project Momentum Community Engagement Coordinator ctabini@ssc.coop

Dale Walston

Nick Wobig

Katie Wohlfiel

Director of Finance and Operations

Career-Connected Learning Specialist

dwalston@ssc.coop

nwobig@ssc.coop

COMPASS Regional Literacy Network Coach kwohlfiel@ssc.coop

Manager of Wellness and Outreach nlachapelle@ssc.coop

Sarah Mikkelson Zeigler COMPASS Continuous Improvement Coach szeigler@ssc.coop

Perkins Coordinator; Career-Connected Learning Specialist

agrover@ssc.coop

kkubicek@ssc.coop

sness@ssc.coop

mschnell@ssc.coop

SSC Board of Directors Brein Maki, Chair Lewiston-Altura Public Schools

Monica Sveen-Ziebell, Clerk Plainview-Elgin-Millville Public Schools

Mitch Lentz Fillmore County

Jean Roth, Vice-Chair Zumbrota-Mazeppa Public Schools

Brian Grudem City of Zumbrota

Al Roder City of Byron

Jason Marquardt, Treasurer Mabel-Canton Public Schools

Don Leathers Austin Public Schools

February, 2026 www.ssc.coop

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