Elizabeth Hanke for Mankato School Board

  • Listening Is the First Duty of Leadership

    The following letter to the editor was prompted by concerns from some teachers who felt they could not speak to the school board. In reality, anyone has the right to speak to any elected official—especially about the policies or mandates those officials create. Printed in the Free Press July 29th Since joining the school board,

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  • Schools would lose more than revenue

    Written by Elizabeth Hanke and published as a letter to the editor at the Free Press of Mankato I truly believe we’re stronger when we work together. That belief is what led my family to host nearly a dozen exchange students from around the world. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when people from

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  • Long-Term Impacts of Disruptive Classrooms: Learning Loss and Mental Health Challenges

    Disruptive classrooms don’t just disrupt lessons—they impact students’ futures. Studies reveal lasting effects on learning & mental health.

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  • Mankato Area Public School, ISD 77 Enrollment Market Share

    Mankato’s K-12 student landscape is shifting. ISD 77 enrollment dropped 10% from 8,685 in 2019-20 to 7,825 in 2024-25, while private school enrollment rose 24% and open enrollment losses grew to 610 students. The closure of Kato Public Charter School in 2024-25 will send some of its 90 students to ISD 77, but declining birth…

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  • Steps to Address Bullying and Threats at Mankato Area Public Schools, ISD 77, Minnesota

    Steps to Address Bullying and Threats at ISD 77 1. Document the Incidents 2. Notify the Classroom Teacher 3. Report to the School Principal 4. Leverage Policy 542 and Legal Standards 5. Escalate to District Leadership 6. Address the School Board 7. Involve Law Enforcement for Threats 8. Access Support Services 9. File a Formal

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