The candidate applications are presented in the order they appeared on the district website, except for my own, which I placed at the beginning. I have redacted phone numbers and addresses for privacy. You can click on Names in bold to be brought to the original application.
Background:
I am a dedicated business owner and mother of three daughters. My family has hosted 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. Additionally, I am a mentor at the YMCA and have been a volunteer teacher for Junior Achievement for over a decade. Growing up, my mother was a teacher for adjudicated youth at Elmore Academy. This diverse educational background has given me a broad perspective on education and a deep commitment to fostering academic success and community involvement.
Why do you want to serve on the Mankato Area School Board?
I want to serve 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 of three, I understand families’ challenges in ensuring quality education.
Hosting exchange students and having daughters who attended schools abroad has 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 not just reinforced, but inspired my dedication to supporting young people’s academic and personal growth. Growing up with a mother who taught adjudicated youth, 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.
How can you contribute to a successful school board?
I bring much experience working with various school districts and hosting multiple exchange students and teachers. Additionally, I have actively participated in legislative sessions and engaged with state representatives to advocate for educational policies. My suggestion to increase the limit of exchange students within our district was adopted to enhance cross-cultural understanding. My comprehensive knowledge of the academic landscape and hands-on experience equip me to contribute effectively to a successful school board.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the School Board?
I commend the board’s creativity in integrating nature into next year’s learning environments and the forward-thinking discussions on cell phone policies. The district’s improvement in student attendance is commendable, as it is vital for learning. However, we must be more transparent about behaviors, performance, and school safety issues. It’s essential to continuously evaluate our academic interventions, replicate successful initiatives, and phase out those that are not effective. By building on our progress, we can achieve even better outcomes. Engaging with teachers, administrators, parents, and students and equipping them with the necessary tools and support will ensure our policies are effective, clearly communicated, and appropriately applied. Strengthening our relationship with the Free Press and KEYC by providing them with better access will help the community better understand student needs.
Elizabeth Hanke for Mankato School Board 
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