Hello, Mankato! My name is Elizabeth Hanke, and I am a dedicated business owner and mother of three wonderful daughters. Our family has had the privilege of hosting five exchange students, an exchange teacher within the Mankato School District, an exchange student at Maple River, and several university exchange students from MNSU. My daughters have attended high schools in Spain and the Netherlands, providing me with extensive experience in various educational systems.

Serving on the School Board

I am currently serving on the Mankato Area School Board to give back to a community that has significantly impacted my family and me. As a business owner and mother, I understand the challenges families face in ensuring quality education. Hosting exchange students and having daughters who attended schools abroad have enriched my understanding of different educational systems. I want to bring these global insights to enhance our local programs.

My work as a mentor at the YMCA and a long-time volunteer with Junior Achievement has reinforced and inspired my dedication to supporting young people’s academic and personal growth. Growing up with a mother who taught adjudicated youth at Elmore Academy, I learned the importance of compassion, resilience, and the transformative power of education. I firmly believe that every student in our district has the potential to succeed. My diverse background and passion for education position me well to contribute effectively to the School Board. Together, we can build a more robust educational environment that unlocks the potential of every student.

Each of us carries a unique story, and by sharing our experiences with one another, we realize just how much we have in common. We share the same dreams for our children and ourselves. While our individual journeys may vary, we can unite to achieve our goals as a district and as a community.

I am committed to fostering a collaborative, engaging, and innovative educational environment. My vision for our school district is built on three core pillars:

Every student deserves access to high-quality education that prepares them for a successful future. I will work to ensure our schools have the support and innovative programs needed to foster academic excellence. This includes investing in enriching our curriculum and supporting our teachers.

By fostering a culture of transparency and trust, we aim to create an environment where concerns are addressed promptly and collaboratively, ensuring the best outcomes for our students

Education is a community effort. I will prioritize open communication and collaboration between the school board, parents, teachers, students, and community members. For the teachers who are bold and brave enough to advocate for your students, thank you.

By actively listening to and engaging with all stakeholders, we can develop policies that reflect our community’s needs and values. I will also advocate for transparent decision-making processes and regular updates on school board activities. Together, we can create an educational environment where every student thrives and every community member feels heard and valued.

Thank you for your support, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve you on the Mankato Area School Board. Together, we can make a lasting difference.

EARLY VOTING :

I was Elected to Serve on The Mankato Area Public School Board.