• Phone: 612-430-7750
  • info@amsd.org
Stay Connected:

AMSD is The Voice for Metro Schools & Students

It is the mission of AMSD to advocate for member school districts so they can lead the transformation of public education.

We believe that:

Public education is foundational to Minnesota’s future prosperity.
Public education must be non-partisan and the highest priority of state government.
State education policy and resource allocation must recognize and support the unique needs of member districts.
The collective and consistent voice of member districts is critical to achieving our mission.
Minnesota’s education system is unjust and inequitable and does not provide sufficient resources to ensure all students thrive.

Providing Leadership, Access, and Information

Awesome Image

AMSD member school districts face challenges and needs that differ from districts elsewhere in the state. AMSD's members include urban, suburban, and regional center school districts, making it truly a statewide organization. Because of its diverse membership, AMSD is in a unique position to identify and advocate for meaningful policy changes to help meet those needs.

Signature

Leadership

AMSD is a strong voice for public education both at the Legislature and in the media, with a proactive agenda and a commitment to action. AMSD’s primary task is to lobby at the state level for the needs of metropolitan school districts. However, AMSD’s Board believes that its lobbying efforts are most effective when the organization plays a role in shaping the broader public debate on K-12 issues and advocates for policies that benefit the State as a whole.

Access

During the legislative session, AMSD maintains regular contact with House and Senate leadership, the K-12 committee chairs, and key legislators. AMSD communicates through private meetings with lawmakers, providing written materials, and testifying before committees. AMSD also arranges for district staff and parents to testify on key issues, offering local information and perspectives that help legislators understand the impact of their decisions.

Information

AMSD provides its members with relevant, concise, and timely information on key issues and the progress of the legislative session, giving local school officials the tools they need to communicate with legislators and within their communities. AMSD also provides in-depth background material on issues, ongoing financial analysis of pending legislation, and assistance in preparing testimony for school officials.

“AMSD offers a respected voice and strong leadership at the Capitol. Through excellent research and counsel, AMSD helps member districts advocate for state policy that recognizes and supports the needs of our school districts and learners.

–Cory McIntyre, Superintendent, Anoka-Hennepin Schools

Meet the AMSD Team

Scott Croonquist
Executive Director/Lobbyist

(office) 612-430-7811
(mobile) 612-203-5631
scroonquist@amsd.org

Troy Melhus
Director of Communications and Advocacy

 (office) 612-430-7808
(mobile) 612-333-4568
 tmelhus@amsd.org

Kimberly Jansa
Office Manager

612-430-7806
kjansa@amsd.org

Kris Amundson
Amundson Strategies
Governmental Relations Consultant
Lori Grivna
Amundson Strategies
Governmental Relations Consultant

Leadership

Marcus Hill
School Board Member, West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan
Chair
Lucy Payne
School Board Member, Mahtomedi Public Schools
Vice Chair
Jenny Loeck
Superintendent, Roseville Area Schools
Treasurer

Executive Committee

Marcus Hill
School Board Member, West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan
Lucy Payne
School Board Member, Mahtomedi Public Schools
Crystal Brakke
School Board Member, Richfield Public Schools
Stacie Stanley
Superintendent, Edina Schools
Michael Thomas
Superintendent, Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools
Mary Kreger
Superintendent, Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan
Rhoda Mhiripiri Reed
Superintendent, Hopkins Public Schools
Bev Petrie
Board Member, Stillwater Area Schools
Laura Oksnevad
School Board Member, St. Anthony-New Brighton School District

Legislative Committee

Marcus Hill
School Board Member, West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan
Lucy Payne
Board Member, Mahtomedi Public Schools
Jill Lofald
School Board Member, Duluth Public Schools
Lisa Sayles-Adams
Superintendent, Eastern Carver County Schools
Crystal Brakke
School Board Member, Richfield Public Schools
Michael Thomas
Superintendent, Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools
Stacie Stanley
Superintendent, Edina Schools
Bev Petrie
Board Member, Stillwater Area Schools
Laura Oksnevad
School Board Member, St. Anthony-New Brighton School District
Mary Kreger
Superintendent, Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan
Jeff Holmberg
Superintendent, Centennial School District
Rhoda Mhiripiri Reed
Superintendent, Hopkins Public Schools
Lisa Wagner
Board Member, Minnetonka Public Schools