Hello there!
Resource Training & Solutions is a Minnesota Service Cooperative, one of nine in the state.
As a nonprofit, public corporation, Resource Training & Solutions provides services to school districts, cities, counties, governmental agencies, and nonprofits, as well as communities in central Minnesota. We train teachers, improve schools, inspire students, build safer communities, develop professionals, and ensure success.
What We Do
Much of our work is school-centered. We put on many of the academic events you see in the news, including the Spelling Bee, Young Authors Young Artists, Project Earth, and Knowledge Bowl. We help schools develop their curricula through the Title 1 and gifted and talented networks. Essentially, we teach the people who teach Minnesota’s students.
However, that's not our only focus. We’re proud to offer many of the same services to cities, counties, other government agencies, and nonprofits. Programs include health insurance, wellness programs, cooperative purchasing, health and safety, and professional training.
Our History
Resource Training & Solutions started in 1976 as a small two-person office in south St. Cloud known as the Central Minnesota ECSU (Educational Cooperative Service Unit).
The organization was formed through legislation to serve Pre K-12 Education (M.S. 123 A.21).
In 1985, the board of directors hired Dr. Robert C. Cavanna as the organization's first full-time executive director. Hired to build the organization into a viable and successful one, Cavanna worked on hiring quality people who emphasized customer service and made a commitment to provide members with high-quality, innovative programs and services that meet their needs.
Taking an entrepreneurial approach, Dr. Cavanna saw the need in 1989 to establish a discounted health insurance pool for school districts. It has grown to be the second largest health insurance pool in the state serving over 40 organizations in central Minnesota. During this time other programs grew such as Health and Safety, Academic Enrichment and Cooperative Purchasing.
In 1996, seeing a need again, another insurance pool was formed for cities, counties and other governmental agencies, now serving over 4,000 employees and their families
The central Minnesota ECSU experienced tremendous growth and greater community outreach. As a result, the organization changed its name in 2000 from the Central Minnesota Service Cooperative to Resource Training & Solutions to more accurately reflect what the organization does for its member organizations.
The new name, along with the mission, relationship building, and demonstrating the benefits of collaboration, were major objectives in growing the organization to meet the needs of the members and the community.
In the fall of 2014 Resource moved to a new building off highway 15 in Sartell. This state-of-the-art facility is an ideal setting for meetings, trainings, or retreats. It’s equipped to handle groups of many sizes.
In 2015, Mark Schmitz become the second executive director of Resource Training & Solutions. Schmitz has experience as a teacher, principal, and superintendent.
Today, Resource has become a widely respected service provider to school districts, cities, counties, governmental agencies, and nonprofits, as well as the communities in central Minnesota.