Recognition Events
October 1, 2026
More than 150 outstanding educators from across central Minnesota were celebrated Wednesday, September 30, at the 2026 Leadership in Educational Excellence Awards (LEEA), hosted by Resource Training & Solutions.
This year’s event brought honorees, school leaders, families and guests together at a new location, The Park Event Center in Waite Park. The venue provided a fresh and warm setting for an evening focused on recognizing the educators who make a difference in their schools and communities every day.
Resource Training & Solutions Executive Director Mark Schmitz welcomed guests and delivered a congratulatory address recognizing the dedication and impact of this year’s honorees. RTS Board Chair Ryan Butkowski announced the award recipients as they were recognized during the ceremony.
A Special Performance from STMA
The evening also featured a special performance by the St. Michael-Albertville High School Concert Choir.
The Concert Choir is one of 16 performing ensembles offered through the St. Michael-Albertville High School music program, which serves more than 500 students. The program has participated in invitational performances with American Public Media, the American Choral Directors Association and the Minnesota Music Educators Association, as well as collaborations with numerous high school, collegiate and professional ensembles.
We were excited to welcome the STMA students and have them help make this year’s celebration even more memorable.
Recognizing More Than Two Decades of Service
Another special moment during the evening was the recognition of longtime RTS Board member and current Vice Chair Ken Anderson.
Anderson has served on the Resource Training & Solutions Board of Directors for more than 21 years, including many years as Board Chair. Throughout his time on the Board, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to RTS and to supporting education throughout central Minnesota.
This year’s ceremony marked Anderson’s final LEEA as a member of the RTS Board. He will continue serving through the upcoming Educational Support Staff Awards ceremony.
Celebrating Educators Across Central Minnesota
Each year, Resource Training & Solutions member districts and schools nominate educators for LEEA based on criteria including their expertise, leadership in curriculum development and positive impact on students, staff and their communities.
The Leadership in Educational Excellence Awards are a collaborative effort between Resource Training & Solutions and its partner school districts and provide an opportunity to recognize the exceptional work happening in schools throughout the region.
Congratulations to all of our 2026 LEEA honorees, and thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating educators across central Minnesota!