[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6427161,"mediaKeyId","5897102-bca052d6362e17c18fc3c06a4cd470ee","parentId",5897102,"title","Washington Elementary named Minnesota School of Excellence; leaders point to SEL, PLCs and attendance work","audioSeconds",121,"startMs",1316000,"endMs",1195000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5897102-bca052d6362e17c18fc3c06a4cd470ee&start=1316&end=1195","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5897102-bca052d6362e17c18fc3c06a4cd470ee/thumbnail_1316000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6427161/Minnesota/Washington-Elementary-named-Minnesota-School-of-Excellence-leaders-point-to-SEL-PLCs-and-attendance-work","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6427161-cb580e026edb9a2b305c4d3d85c32cb2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440656&Signature=PUc~qT2kiuXmL3XrOvPDaVZRR4HBHeoUu9fPOWGeg0Zqgq9QpA6~EzGbiuwRbpWNnFgZZiB1ebKhdVixNl3xeRUxSQE8ET0XOg-DKYLrj3L6irj-KhenGptEmEaT4FzjpMBaZArsCrppcJIZ~cpmPmrsPZ-k6ZNo2QO1BAJiwwUGYLei~rvn5XpaTYwsdaiwOA0b8bAsyiOpDmBxHHy~qLVUNoFfV0iIrZFTC9qCACjKvGqN9mBm~TLPrIox62gmWsJ1Afs2Y~q3uTacPnf~w9VT7aG5Nr6VuTrKk0FAMrjZR5Z0d-ZlNZslLeHHJi2pTtRm1G31FVTzM5fv6Q8RYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Mankato Area Public Schools","date","2025-10-06T00:00:00Z","article","Washington Elementary received a Minnesota School of Excellence award and board members heard details Wednesday about the school’s recent academic and social‑emotional work.

Principal Anne Haggerty told the Mankato Area Public Schools board she and staff used stakeholder surveys, focused professional learning and a set of strategic priorities to guide improvement. \"We were chosen as a Minnesota School of Excellence. We're 1 of 13 elementary schools in the state,\" Haggerty said during the presentation.

The principal and Travis Olsen, director of teaching and learning, said Washington’s work centers on three areas: more rigorous, spiraled instruction, regular professional learning community (PLC) practice and schoolwide attention to social‑emotional learning (SEL). Haggerty described weekly PLC meetings that set an “essential skill or competency” for teams to measure and respond to, and said the school has added formative SEL screeners to track belonging and respect among students.

Olsen summarized the district process that produced the vision metrics the board later approved, saying the strategic roadmap and the new vision cards will let the district report progress on teaching and learning, operations and equity goals.

Board members asked for specifics. Haggerty said Washington had increased the percentage of students consistently attending school — reporting it rose from about 86 percent two years ago and that the school’s goal for the coming year is 92 percent. She also said the school reduced the number of chronically absent students, from an end‑of‑year total of 45 to “fewer than 30” by the time of the presentation.

Haggerty highlighted DIBELS early literacy screening results and said spring benchmark rates for several grades were in the 90s. She credited a combination of higher instructional rigor, a spiraled curriculum and strong collaborative practice for the gains.

Board members and Superintendent Peterson praised the leadership and staff for intentional steps to raise outcomes. \"They took a good hard long look at where they were, and through some courageous conversations . . . there were very intentional steps that Anne led and the staff followed,\" Superintendent Peterson said.

The board did not take a formal action tied directly to the Washington recognition; the item was presented as an information/recognition item. The presentation included plans for a public rally and a principals’ conference appearance in February to mark the award.

Washington’s presentation also described tactical efforts such as home visits to address attendance barriers, use of a reading wall and an added attendance wall to make data visible to staff, and a move to a new SEL curriculum for tier‑1 lessons.

Board members said they appreciated the mix of data and practical examples. The district will continue to track the vision‑card metrics that align to the strategic roadmap and report to the board on them.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Mankato - Oct 06, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Washington Elementary was recognized as a Minnesota School of Excellence at the Mankato Area Public Schools board meeting, with Principal Anne Haggerty and district staff describing a mix of improved instruction, social‑emotional learning and targeted attendance work behind recent gains.","taxTitle","MANKATO PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Boards, Minnesota","taxId",60466,"location","Minnesota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6427149,"Dakota Meadows staff spotlight: unified phys ed class draws praise, student leaders and career interest",428,124000,552000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5897102-bca052d6362e17c18fc3c06a4cd470ee&start=124&end=552","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5897102-bca052d6362e17c18fc3c06a4cd470ee/thumbnail_124000.jpg","/articles/6427149/Minnesota/Dakota-Meadows-staff-spotlight-unified-phys-ed-class-draws-praise-student-leaders-and-career-interest","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6427149-9d77ef7ebb6b93f53b5d1b4812d257e4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440656&Signature=PmzbTbcTWtMGxWE153V3braaZYpGuCaNHkHJ7tnubDLPFH32PDhXsyA0NDU3Cbr235H7DQwKduw8Xo8zcLOpnlCUEqK~h7EfFZ~bm9DHPSeHUCWfkZGHvKJncjvDeH9B6Zi3Msl6x2oVXBtm78fyKypNxzc719IL4zajaMwGQakHxs-DTvkBz7K9EUVqNyvOSzh6uGbg8G8tQwGsVGhUR~DZVacxLBZHFORk7kIZGp3MsX-b1K3zoZQ~W-gm9Ux~WuFFLGdZJ0R6JqSWeUuiOJiBESy1k5xKTE1mqOOITBYEum8vfmZrh3j-HYGbXJif3aA99CbyRKEEOwUfGaNRvw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The board recognized Jody Evers, a teacher at Dakota Meadows Middle School, for leading a co‑taught unified physical education program that administrators say has increased inclusion and student leadership.

Aaron Hyer, principal at Dakota Meadows, described the class as “probably the classroom that I feel like has the most joy and happiness, belonging, inclusivity that we have.” Hyer told the board the program grew from a site visit and staff nomination and that it now produces visible peer interactions across the school.

In her remarks, Evers said the unified structure expanded her contact with more students and that general‑education students now \"stop in my classroom and they check‑in on the students.\" She reported that two students told her they were considering becoming special education teachers in the future after participating in the program.

Evers described joint activities that reinforce peer relationships: last week the class toured an MSU hockey facility and observed practice, using a “unified buddy” pairing of general‑education and special‑education students to guide visits. She also said the class will run stations with the MSU basketball team the next day.

Board member Baker thanked Evers for bringing the vision into practice and asked for an “elevator pitch” for the program when board members hear questions from the community. Evers and Hyer emphasized the multi‑age advisory and leadership opportunities for older students helping sixth graders as complementary pieces of the school’s approach.

The recognition was presented as an information item; no formal board action was required.

","The school board recognized Jody Evers for leading a co‑taught unified physical education class at Dakota Meadows Middle School. Administrators and board members described increased inclusion, peer leadership and instances of students expressing interest in special education careers.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6427144,"School board approves MAPS vision card after extended debate over suspension disparities and student safety",705,3075000,3780000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5897102-bca052d6362e17c18fc3c06a4cd470ee&start=3075&end=3780","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5897102-bca052d6362e17c18fc3c06a4cd470ee/thumbnail_3075000.jpg","/articles/6427144/Minnesota/School-board-approves-MAPS-vision-card-after-extended-debate-over-suspension-disparities-and-student-safety","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6427144-4f9da5b7f02a7b2298dacee784660637/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440656&Signature=i5G4JfdIRfzdZaCRG~Lm-TRUEoTgn7JyNyecVUSzxNXOJp7tF0QdCMNJenN7stUxBPN3lrkwTdxBx~~aRpPpatzm3cjwynldhYT3zgySSD-8WHX9xAvBEHe0~lf4tmAswiwz-SZ-rnCSHHfSFeoBWMMc6bTaUOxUA8rm93HQo2cUEYL3xaYEMmy16l3HisbGxLhzMuXgfOz6VvZqR4Pl7modoxgI6zew8dNcxIMCbtS7Oql~KfJvCJBWEqaVThMcpQgehGQgnX286I4YiHuxaLiTkPtX4LNeByUslEy~6BmHSZeBhOiRvQp3Q80H5EHZcQ0ztMu7yytPq2FRDSTmVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mankato Area Public Schools board voted Wednesday to approve the district’s new MAPS vision‑card metrics after more than an hour of discussion that focused heavily on discipline disparities and student safety.

Superintendent Peterson said the vision card translates the board’s year‑and‑a‑half strategic planning into measurable metrics for teaching, learning and equity. \"It was a year and a half plus ago that our school board adopted a new strategic plan,\" Peterson said, describing the metrics as the way the district will measure progress on the roadmap.

Much of the public discussion centered on the district’s suspension data and whether state agencies had flagged disparities. Board member Hailey asked whether state rules limit suspensions by age; Superintendent Peterson replied that recent state legislation imposes significant restrictions on suspending students in grades K–3 and that the Minnesota Department of Education and Minnesota Department of Human Rights look at disparities in discipline rates.

Peterson said the state had not told the district to \"not discipline students,\" but that the state had highlighted a disproportionate rate of suspensions for certain groups — particularly Black boys who receive special education services — and suggested the district examine and address the gap. \"You might want to spend a little time analyzing how things are going,\" Peterson said, summarizing the state’s request.

Other board members emphasized a distinction between individual parent complaints and systemwide metrics. A parent case discussed during the meeting — a complaint about bullying and whether the district responded appropriately — prompted members to say individual student concerns should be handled through separate complaint and investigation processes rather than in the vision‑card discussion.

After debate, Board member Pratt moved to approve the MAPS vision card; the motion was seconded and passed on voice vote. Board members said the cards will be published publicly and the communications team will prepare materials explaining baseline data.

The approved vision cards include indicators on academics (reading/math benchmarks), attendance, student safety and disciplinary disparities across student groups. District leaders said the board will receive regular updates and the administration will develop plans to reduce any identified gaps.

","After extended discussion about suspension disparities and student safety, the Mankato Area Public Schools board approved district vision‑card metrics that will be used to track progress on academics, equity and student well‑being.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6427134,"Votes at a glance: board approves agenda addendum, consent agenda, gifts, vision card, policies and compliance assurances",1340,1620000,2960000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5897102-bca052d6362e17c18fc3c06a4cd470ee&start=1620&end=2960","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5897102-bca052d6362e17c18fc3c06a4cd470ee/thumbnail_1620000.jpg","/articles/6427134/Minnesota/Votes-at-a-glance-board-approves-agenda-addendum-consent-agenda-gifts-vision-card-policies-and-compliance-assurances","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6427134-c5f83f92d44125ebe3ea533e39f91bed/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440656&Signature=P~G0~V1vI5O9hig95AjSD6XzSStj-fiGqHCZqCuVInISDjzBj~WDz-YSdf02pTiHdK3lUwggEZHK-yMBtGcT0rzHRZKE-EX2mWw0UFhnZ6IyvBNbzGVUEA3o4E7IJG4nf0j-9yxKTFbAkcGFfTzhlAdo-9hf8Fc~THXaEkQvAHckMsdzpyT01or935IIWWlLfvr8qh~lwmzO0IxZU9HdUZFjKxzqJ3vx5p80G~zfD49KheIM07ZHeyKNcxKwivx9dU74sBx8ozOHXk1Y4q~2T8ljATsf05PUoxXD8Yj8fVTOwOoSM~GpeEwkW0cOSbIYlzLo99oFc0pYwbgDI~TQ2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mankato Area Public Schools board took the following formal actions on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2025. All vote outcomes are recorded as approved by voice vote or roll call as noted.

1) Approval of agenda with addendum
Motion: Move to approve the agenda with the addendum.
Outcome: Approved (voice vote).
Notes: Superintendent Peterson announced one addendum under consent agenda item 7(b) (personnel).

2) Approval of consent agenda (including minutes and personnel addendum)
Motion: Move to approve the consent agenda with the addendum.
Outcome: Approved (roll call recorded as affirmative votes from listed board members).
Roll call excerpts: Mrs. Pratt — Yes; Mrs. Radcliffe — Yes; Miss Roberts — Yes; Mr. Sineen — Yes; Mr. Baker — Yes; Mrs. Henke — Yes; Mr. Kind — Yes.
Notes: Consent agenda included approval of minutes from Sept. 15, 2025 and personnel items.

3) Acceptance of gifts and grants
Motion: Move to accept the gifts and grants as read into the record.
Outcome: Approved (roll call recorded as affirmative votes).
Details: Donations reported included $1,000 from Ryan and Jill McEwen to West High girls hockey; $1,755 from South Point Financial Credit Union to adult basic education financial‑literacy workshops; multiple donations to soccer programs and school supply donations totaling multiple donors.

4) Approval of MAPS vision card metrics (formal vote)
Motion: Move to approve the MAPS vision card.
Outcome: Approved (voice vote).
Notes: The vote followed extended discussion about disciplinary disparities, reporting expectations and publication of baseline data.

5) Second reading and approval of 12 board policies
Motion: Move to approve the second reading of policy updates.
Outcome: Approved (voice vote).
Details: Policies revised to align with recent legislative changes and MSBA recommendations; topics included mandated reporting, drug‑free workplace and tribal medical cannabis protections, weapons reporting, pupil records privacy, overdose medication (naloxone) immunity, school meals, literacy/read act requirements, online instruction, transportation, disposition of obsolete materials, and crisis management.

6) Approval of annual assurance of compliance report
Motion: Approve annual assurances of compliance with federal and state nondiscrimination and education laws.
Outcome: Approved (voice vote).
Details: The report covers required assurances under Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, ADA and related Minnesota statutes and rules.

7) Adjournment
Motion: Move to adjourn.
Outcome: Approved (voice vote). Meeting adjourned at 6:57 p.m.

","The Mankato Area Public Schools board approved multiple routine and substantive items Wednesday. Key actions included approving the meeting agenda with an addendum; accepting gifts and grants; approving the MAPS vision card; passing a second reading of 12 board policies; and approving the annual federal/state assurance of compliance report.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6427138,"District outlines plan timeline to bring Eagle Lake daycare proposal to board in December",135,2790000,2925000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5897102-bca052d6362e17c18fc3c06a4cd470ee&start=2790&end=2925","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5897102-bca052d6362e17c18fc3c06a4cd470ee/thumbnail_2790000.jpg","/articles/6427138/Minnesota/District-outlines-plan-timeline-to-bring-Eagle-Lake-daycare-proposal-to-board-in-December","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6427138-bc463d43c05146009a8c6b736f5c6c40/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440656&Signature=TiZnL3UG28KhZXGMe3o20JmKwERgI2khTqXf04Gzez0v~XRpQgx8IBLWRdkwaMnZlNiiuEJ2LFdtNo6uxQ2FZWkPyZBqs3fJhGgUqLSk9F73v8fi~sXw6gYj-4s6RLe5PEfeZGjZ7Nh5hscrn3sPHkMZ-QeEIe-b4yyUuMWDRxNX8h~WKVeh12BYTsYPOyZUL2GtFAVlw5fp64LWIswpen3O3RJsZmGVE5igJbIAyNgSc~yGhR4hynjMSzkg26kYLQjDEqVLsodGBJd6EpKi~vmZvsq5~EVqDOvJ6CPygqFgHL56pxVsi~XwWEey8KfBGDOKoAXF6NWM6Ceh0p5dHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Peterson told the school board the district is working with community stakeholders and external consultants to bring a daycare plan for Eagle Lake Elementary to the board in December.

\"Our goal is to have in front of the school board in December, a consideration of approval of a daycare plan for Eagle Lake Elementary,\" Peterson said. He said the district is working with Children's First Finance to align facility specs with community needs and to ensure there will be interested businesses or organizations willing to operate the childcare program once construction is complete.

The superintendent outlined the sequence the district is following: confirm demonstrated community need, develop blueprints and cost concepts that match the community’s specifications, then seek board approval so the district can solicit bids and prepare for construction in 2026. Peterson said the district wants to present a plan the community will support and that offers viable operators a realistic opportunity to run the daycare.

Board members reported recent meetings with Eagle Lake city officials and community leaders, and flagged that some families and local providers have expressed concerns about communication and market share for preschool programs. The district said it will continue community engagement and present a proposed plan and timeline to the board.

No formal action was taken; the presentation was part of committee updates and information sharing.

","Board members heard that district staff aim to present a daycare plan for Eagle Lake Elementary in December; the plan will include scope, community consultation and steps to secure an operator with construction targeted for 2026.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Washington Elementary named Minnesota School of Excellence; leaders point to SEL, PLCs and attendance work

Dakota Meadows staff spotlight: unified phys ed class draws praise, student leaders and career interest

School board approves MAPS vision card after extended debate over suspension disparities and student safety

Votes at a glance: board approves agenda addendum, consent agenda, gifts, vision card, policies and compliance assurances

District outlines plan timeline to bring Eagle Lake daycare proposal to board in December