Meet Our Administrators

MNVA’s administrators have extensive experience in serving public and private enterprise. Together, they provide a strong backbone for the day-to-day operations of the Minnesota Virtual Academy.

Angela Specketer, Principal
Angela holds a BS in industrial technology from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, an MA in education from the College of St. Catherine’s, and has completed post-graduate work through St. Mary’s University in educational administration. After a 12-year career in manufacturing management, Angela began her teaching career as an elementary teacher for the Anoka Hennepin School District, teaching grades 1 and 2. She has been with the Minnesota Virtual Academy since its inception in 2002. Before filling the role of principal with MNVA, Angela worked both as an elementary teacher and a lead teacher with the academy.

Steve Kerska, Director of Secondary Options-Houston Public Schools
Steve holds a degree in Technology Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. After a teaching career of 20 plus years, Steve has spent the last 10 years as an Educational Administrator and Program Developer for Houston Public Schools. Steve has developed various educational program options for Minnesota secondary students, including an alternative educational program for at-risk students, as well as the Minnesota Center of Online Learning. Steve’s wealth of experience and leadership will now be directed toward the high quality of services provided by the MNVA High School.

Justin Treptow, Dean of Students, High School
Justin holds a BS in elementary education and middle school mathematics from Winona State University, an MA in educational administration from St. Mary’s University, and has completed his post master’s work in educational leadership through Winona State University. Justin began his educational career as a middle school teacher in the Bloomington School District, and worked in Bloomington for five and half years teaching middle school mathematics and working with profoundly gifted students. In the summer of 2007, Justin moved back to Minnesota and spent one year in the Rochester Public Schools as the gifted and talented coordinator for Bamber Valley Elementary School. In the summer of 2008, Justin was offered the position of Dean of Students for the Minnesota Virtual Academy High School with Houston Public Schools.

Jon Baietto, Assistant Principal, K-8
Jon received his undergraduate degree in elementary education from Winona State University. Upon graduation, Jon moved to Southern California and taught third grade for two years. Following that experience, he taught sixth-grade math and science at the middle-school level. While teaching sixth grade, Jon went to California State University to obtain his master’s in Administration. Jon moved back to Minnesota and join the MNVA team in 2006.

Mark Dyar, Special Education Coordinator
Mark received his bachelor’s degree in secondary education and a master’s degree in special education from the University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse. Mark had more than 32 years of experience in special education before joining Houston’s online programs in 2006. He served as an assistant director of special education at CESA #3 and director of special services in Watertown, Wisconsin, before becoming the director of special education and regional service network at CESA #4. While serving education in Wisconsin, Mark served as president of the Wisconsin Association for Children with Behavior Disorders and on the steering committee for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s School Improvement Grant. Mark currently serves as the special education coordinator for all of Houston’s online programs.