This blog includes a short summary of recent Mankato Free Press articles addressing school-related topics and a list of the committees and schools each school board members serves. These committee assignments were unanimously approved on January 6, 2025.

Below is a brief summary of articles published in the Free Press during the week of January 6, 2025. I strongly encourage you to spend the $2 to access the full articles linked below. Ms. Moore diligently attends every school board meeting, conducts interviews, and works to provide valuable information—insights that, even as a school board member, I may not always have. It’s a small investment for the reporting.

Changes to Mankato School District Preschool Model

The Mankato school district plans to transition its 4-year-old preschool program to a full-day model at the Center for Learning by the 2025-26 school year, consolidating early learning services previously offered at various locations. While the change is intended to align with best practices for early education, some parents, like the parent interviewed, express concerns about the impact on childcare arrangements. The Eagle Lake parent fears the shift may lead to losing her current childcare provider due to reduced demand for shorter hours and worries about limited childcare options in the area. The district emphasizes the benefits of a full-day model for educational outcomes. Some Eagle Lake residents are weighing alternatives, including moving their children to a different preschool or skipping preschool altogether.

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School Board Members discusses goals of District’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee – Full Free Press Article

Short article Summary:

Mankato Area School Board Member Erin Roberts spearheaded the creation of a districtwide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee to address systemic inequities and promote inclusivity. Serving alongside School Board Chair Shannon Sinning, Roberts leads a committee comprising community members, district leaders, and board representatives, which began meeting in June.

The committee’s primary focus is developing an equity analysis tool to review district policies for potential inequities and recommend updates to enhance inclusivity, such as refining policy language. Additionally, the committee aims to support the district’s new global studies-themed focus school, Bridges Community School, set to open in 2025-26, by ensuring the thoughtful integration of diverse identities and cultures.

Chair Shannon Sinning expressed optimism that the DEI Committee will unify the district’s equity initiatives and provide valuable insights to guide decisions that benefit both staff and students.

School Board Member Committee/School Assignments for 2025

Patrick Baker Communication Committee Facilities Committee Finance Committee Greater Mankato Growth (GMG) Advisory Committee Principal Negotiations Elizabeth Hanke Community Services Advisory Committee Energy Advisory Committee Transportation Committee Wellness Committee Food Service Negotiations Christopher Kind Facilities Committee Greater Mankato Growth (GMG) Advisory Committee Legislative Committee Sick Leave Bank Transportation Committee Custodian Negotiations Kari Pratt Executive Committee Meet and Confer Policy Committee Student – Community Safety Advisory Council Teacher Negotiations Liz Ratcliff Legislative Committee MSBA Delegate Assembly Meet and Confer Committee Policy Committee Student Advisory Council Facilitator Sustainability Committee Secretaries Negotiations Erin Roberts Communication Committee DEI Committee Special Education Parent Advisory Council Student Advisory Council Facilitator Student-Community Safety Advisory Council Para Negotiations Shannon Sinning DEI Committee Executive Committee Finance Committee Minnesota State High School League Representative Sustainability Committee Board member school assignments through June 30, 2025, will be as follows: Kari Pratt Franklin Elementary School Central High/Freedom/PEEK School Futures  Patrick Baker  Dakota Meadows Middle School Monroe Elementary School MAPS Center for Learning Erin Roberts East High School Washington Elementary School Liz Ratcliff Hoover Elementary School Rosa Parks Elementary School   Shannon Sinning Kennedy Elementary School Bridges Community School INSITE   Elizabeth Hanke Roosevelt Elementary School West High School SUN Program   Christopher Kind Prairie Winds Middle School Jefferson Elementary School Eagle Lake Elementary School

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