Who We Are and What We Do
The Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative is an organization of area school districts that have joined together to complement and expand existing educational opportunities.
In an educational environment that is constantly changing, it is difficult for individual school districts to provide specific programming in all areas of need. By joining together, the PBEC is able to offer programming that would otherwise be difficult and costly while allowing school districts to maintain their individuality.
The educational services PBEC provides are supported through federal, state, and local school funds. Additional fees are not charged for participants in any program.
Our Vision
Is to empower member school districts to provide needed services to students with disabilities. To provide parents and teachers of students with disabilities high quality technical assistance, staff development activities and support services enabling students with disabilities to benefit from their education.
Purpose of Joint Powers Agreement – July 1, 2013
Member districts created and joined together in an educational cooperative pursuant to Minnesota Statute 471.59 and other applicable statutes for the purpose of enlarging and enriching the learning opportunities in special education and to provide cooperative agreements that enhance opportunities for students in member districts, as well as opportunities for school districts to pursue common efficiencies in their delivery of educational services.
**The Joint Powers Agreement was voted on and approved by all member school boards during the Spring of 2013**
Board of Delegates
The control and management of the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative is vested in a Board of Delegates, which shall consist of one delegate from each member school district.
The Board of Delegates shall have one regular yearly meeting and special meetings at times and places established by the board for resolutions.
Board of Delegates’ Roles and Responsibilities
As a Delegate you will become the representative on your local school board that ensures the quality, integrity and efficiency of the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative.
As a Delegate you will have a deeper understanding of special education and how the PBEC meets the unique needs of the special learners within your school district.
As a Delegate you will have broader knowledge of special education federal and state legislation. You will learn about the mandates that drive the direction of special education. You will learn about federal and state funding and how this impacts your local school district.
As a Delegate, you will work with your District’s Superintendent to ensure that the needs of the special education students and staff in your district are being met by the PBEC.
Board of Delegates’ Powers
The Board of Delegates shall have all powers granted by statute or otherwise which are necessary or expedient to accomplish the purpose of the Joint Powers Agreement.
In addition to general powers, and not in limitation, the Board of Delegates shall have the following powers:
- To acquire and dispose of real and personal property
- To sue and to be sued
- To make amendments to the Joint Powers Agreement and By-Laws
- To approve the borrowing or entering into any loans on behalf of the Council
- To do what is reasonably necessary to achieve the purpose of the Joint Powers Agreement.
The Board of Delegates shall establish, and from time to time amend, suitable by-laws for the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative, which are consistent with the Joint Powers Agreement by a two-thirds vote of the full membership of the board.
~
Current Board of Delegates
Cindi Hills, Aitkin Chair
Sara Nagel, Pillager Member
Tracy Wallin, Pequot Lakes Member
Mike Domin, Crosby-Ironton Member
John Ward, Brainerd Member
Chris Cunningham, Pine River-Backus Member
ADMINISTRATION
Jennifer Johnson Director