Team
The Team that enables MN GreenStep Schools to exist and improve over time includes funders, program leaders and staff, a steering committee, and an advisory network. In addition, the participation of districts, schools, individuals, and resource organizations make the program what it is - offering models of leadership to their peers and input to the leadership and design team to improve the program. The people and organizations involved as of Phase 2 are listed below.
Leadership Team
Current Funding: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Phase 3 of the project is funded by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)
Kristin Mroz, Grant Manager, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Program Development Team: University of Minnesota
Minnesota Design Center
Jonee Kulman Brigham, Senior Research Fellow
MN GreenStep Schools Program Leader, Research & Design
Institute on the Environment
Beth Mercer-Taylor, Sustainability Education Coordinator
MN GreenStep Schools Strategic Cross-Sector Liaison
Steering Committee
The purpose of the Minnesota GreenStep Schools Steering Committee is to help shape the direction of the program at a high level – its governance, outreach strategy, financial model, and more. There are opportunities to engage in more detailed feedback as well, depending on interest. Members represent Minnesota state agencies (Pollution Control, Health, Education and Commerce), school leadership organizations (MASA, MSBA), environmental education entities (YES!) and the University of Minnesota's College of Education, Design Center and the Institute on the Environment (IonE).
MN GreenStep Schools Steering Committee Members
Ex-Officio
Jonee Kulman Brigham, Minnesota Design Center, University of Minnesota
MN GreenStep Schools Program LeaderBeth Mercer-Taylor, Institute on the Environment, University of Minnesota
MN GreenStep Schools Strategic Cross-Sector Liaison
STEM Education, University of Minnesota
Bhaskar Upadhyay
MN Pollution Control Agency
Kristin Mroz (MN GreenStep Schools MPCA Grant Manager), Co-Director MN GreenStep Cities and Tribal Nations
(Retired) Karen Van Norman, Eco-Experience Coordinator, MPCA
Environmental Quality Board, State of Minnesota
TBD
MN Department of Commerce
New: Mandi Schienebeck, Solar for Schools Program Manager
MN Department of Education
Angela Kolonich
MN Department of Public Health
Dan Tranter
Minnesota Association of School Administrators
TBD
(Retired) Mia Urick
Minnesota School Boards Association
Kirk Schneidawind
Joel Stencel
Youth Eco Solutions (YES!)
Prior Shelli-Kae Foster
New: TBD
Minnesota Association of Environmental Education
Jenna Totz
Advisory Network
The Advisory Network represent a variety of sectors, roles, and specializations who contribute their experience and expertise to help inform the program.