• Addressing the Childcare Crisis: Insights from the Junior League of Greater Mankato

    Childcare in crisis? I attended a Junior League of Greater Mankato event to learn about the challenges facing providers and families in our region. From unfunded mandates to burnout, the issues are real. Read more and join the conversation:

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  • Healthy Habits in Schools: Why Candy Isn’t a Reward

    As a school board member for Mankato Area Public Schools, I value hearing directly from parents about their concerns, and recently, one of you raised an important question about the use of food or candy as incentives for good behavior in our classrooms. This comment sparked a meaningful conversation about how we encourage positive behavior

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  • Transparency in Education: Parent Rights in Mankato Schools

    As a school board member, I’ve heard from many of you with questions about what’s being taught in our schools. Each Mankato Area Public School operates with some unique approaches, and as a board member, I don’t always have detailed insight into every classroom’s curriculum. Parents often express concerns about whether their children are being

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  • Looking Sideways, Not Upward, for Leadership

    The most impactful leaders aren’t always in the spotlight. They’re the neighbors who show up, the teachers who notice, the small business owners who check in. In a world craving connection, true leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about presence.

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  • 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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