The December 15th Mankato area public school board meeting Unanimously passed The construction estimate is $1.18 million. This is part of the 105 million dollar, 2023 bond referendum, the school district committed to helping address child care space needs in Eagle Lake.

I voted to approve the construction estimates because this project was authorized by voters. However, I also expressed concern that the district may be building space for a local child care provider at a rental rate below market value. My concern is that this could unintentionally create winners and losers within the local child care market and if that happened it would erode public trust.

Over the past two years, district staff have worked with the City of Eagle Lake, local providers, First Children’s Finance, and the Eagle Lake Economic Development Authority to develop a plan intended to be responsive to community needs and financially viable for operators. The Eagle Lake city Administrator and Major of Eagle Lake also spoke in support of this project. I would have liked to see survey data or direct feedback from existing local providers presented to the board as part of this decision-making process.

Board member Liz Ratcliff asked how many children the space would accommodate. The Director of Community Education explained that capacity will depend on the staffing levels of the selected child care provider and more information could be sent to the board.

Vice Chair Pratt asked whether the separate entrances for the two classrooms would be used exclusively by the child care program. It was explained that parents would enter through the school’s main entrance in the morning, while the classrooms would have a separate hallway and bathroom to ensure K–12 students would not be entering or interrupting the child care space.

Director Baker emphasized the importance of ensuring this project adds child care capacity rather than simply shifting existing providers from one location to another. The Director of Community Education responded that additional communication and opportunities for feedback will be provided as the process moves forward.

I remain cautiously optimistic and encourage community members, families, and other stakeholders to stay informed and to participate in upcoming committees, surveys, and engagement opportunities related to the new Eagle Lake Day Cares.

Thanks,

Elizabeth Hanke

507.351.3367- My cell, call with any education related comments

I had planned to wait to post until the meeting video was available, but because we are temporarily meeting in a different room, the recording process has changed. These are notes I took during the meeting, and I will update them with more detail once the video is posted.

Eagle Lake Day Care Board Presentation: https://destinyhosted.com/manSDdocs/2025/SBRM/20251215_330/2670%5FEagle%5FLake%5FDaycare%5FBoard%5FPresentation%5F2025%2D26.pptx.pdf

Meeting Agenda: https://www.isd77.org/experience/school-board/agendas-and-minutes

Meeting Minutes: https://destinyhosted.com/manSDdocs/2025/SBRM/20251215_330/329%5FM251215.pdf