The Minnesota Rural Education Association (MREA) is governed by twelve elected directors and two appointed directors. The Board of Directors sets policy and establishes MREA direction.

Each zone elects one administrator, one teacher, one school board member, and one at-large member. The Board of Directors appoints a representative of higher education and a representative from a statewide agency.

The Legislative Action Committee (LAC) receives input from the membership and establishes the legislative platform.

LAC members include all members of the Board of Directors plus nine members elected by MREA's membership, three from each zone, and at-large members as appointed by the Board.