I am a dedicated, longtime Mankato resident committed to engaging with our community. I have recently participated in door-to-door outreach efforts.

Recently, a group of committed individuals, including myself, has been canvassing our local neighborhoods. Some have voiced opposition to the proposed tax increase for school-building bonds among us. Others have focused on conversations with our neighbors to understand their challenges better.

Community members are apprehensive about the potential ramifications of this tax increase, particularly its lack of consideration for students with low engagement and academic struggles. Getting children to and from school activities is difficult — questions regarding allocating a large amount of funds towards sports facility improvements and how this investment will benefit our lower-income communities.

Additionally, there is a concern about how these enhancements will re-engage the over 40% of students who missed more than three weeks of school last year.

The school district has witnessed a decline of 640+ K-12 students since the 2019/20 school year, which reduces building maintenance funds. There are concerns about whether the expenses associated with a new pool, such as heating, maintenance and insurance, might divert funding from crucial areas like classroom resources.

I recognize the support for this tax measure from our school board members and Greater Mankato Growth, but I wonder if they have thoroughly considered these crucial questions. Have they engaged with a broad spectrum of residents and businesses to gauge their perspectives before endorsing the property tax increase?

As a parent and a business owner, I would like to see less pressure on taxpayers already struggling with inflation and a more significant percentage of the tax money devoted to classroom education.

Elizabeth Hanke