News

Mankato Area Public Schools’ East High School students Kolin Baier, Katelyn Flatgard; and West High School students Will Fischenich and Claire Hemstock received the Triple “A” (academics, athletics, arts) award, which recognizes students who have excelled in the classroom, on the athletic field and in fine arts. To be eligible for this award, students must be a high school senior, have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher, participate in Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) sponsored athletics and fine art activities and comply with MSHSL's student code of conduct. Flatgard also won the Region 2AA award and advances to the state level with a chance to win a $4,000 scholarship.

For more information contact East High School staff at 507-387-5671; or West High School staff at 507-207-3921.

Left to right: Kolin Baier, Katelyn Flatgard, Will Fischenich and Claire Hemstock.

Mankato-The Minnesota School Boards Association has set February 17-21 as School Board Recognition Week in Minnesota as a time to build awareness and understanding of the vital function an elected board of education plays in our society. Mankato Area Public Schools joins school districts across the state to celebrate School Board Recognition Week, honoring local board members for their commitment to children's educational success.

Thank you for your service Mankato Area Public School Board—Judi Brandon, Sara Hansen, Ann Hendricks, Abdi Sabrie, Jodi Sapp, Kristi Schuck and Darren Wacker.

On Tuesday (February 18), Travis Olson is being recommended to the Mankato Area Public School Board as director of teaching and learning for Mankato Area Public Schools, effective July 1. He currently serves as principal at Mankato Area Public Schools' Franklin Elementary School and was previously principal at Mankato Area Public Schools' Kennedy Elementary School. Olson's experiences include being an elementary principal and assistant junior high principal in Glencoe and an elementary teacher in Waseca and United South Central schools. 

Olson has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Concordia College-Moorhead. He has a master’s in education and an educational administration certificate from St. Mary's University.

At 5:30 p.m. on February 18 (Tuesday), the Mankato Area Public School Board will recognize Chad Surprenant, Mankato for their family's $100,000 donation for East High School opportunities.

"Our family feels indebted and loyal to the high-quality education provided at East High School," Surprenant says.  "Therefore, we wanted to make a gift.  Our goal is to help advance opportunities and lead by example.  This is a great place to live and raise a family and we're grateful for our journey at Mankato Area Public Schools."

For more information contact staff at 507-387-1868.

Mankato Area Public Schools' Community Education and Recreation Department Advisory Council is accepting nominations for the 2020 Spirit of Youth Award. This award recognizes outstanding youth, youth-serving organizations, businesses, non-profits, teachers, mentors, coaches and community members that contribute to positive youth asset building. Nominations can be made online or by calling Youth Development Program Coordinator Melanie Schmidt at 507-207-3044.  

For more information contact Community Education and Recreation Department staff at 507-207-3044.