Elizabeth Hanke for Mankato School Board

  • Addressing Mental Health and Behavior in Special Education

    As a school board member, I’ve heard from constituents seeking clarity on whether school staff can diagnose students with mental health conditions or address disruptive behaviors potentially linked to special education services. To better understand these issues, I attended a leadership training on April 3, 2025, focused on special education and classroom safety, led by…

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  • Parenting with Purpose in a Digital Age: Mankato Parenting Conference

    I attended a parenting conference to better understand the challenges today’s families face. From screen time struggles to the power of relationship-based discipline, the insights shared were relevant to all. It gave me hope to see parents supporting one another and embracing wisdom and courage on their parenting journey.

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  • Cancel Culture Hits Mankato’s YMCA

    I wasn’t planning on making a statement about this—honestly, I didn’t have an opinion about the Educational Expo that was suppose to happen at the Mankato YMCA. But I keep getting tagged in posts or mistaken for one of the organizers, which I’m not. So, here’s my take: I’ve never fully understood cancel culture, especially…

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  • Rising Costs of Education Mandates and Their Impact on Classrooms and Teachers, Minnesota

    Classrooms over bureaucracy: My letter to my local reps. MN’s $24.2B budget (up 20% since 2020) pushes mandates— that could strain teachers & resources.

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  • Mankato Area Public Schools Proposed Title IX Changes

    Title IX Policy Changes: A Shift in Protections and Legal Clarity Old Policy vs. New Policy: Key Differences *My name is Elizabeth Hanke, and I am a current school board member at Mankato Area Public Schools. Below is my analysis of the old and new Title IX policies, which we will vote on in April…

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