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District 77 Timeline

Elizabeth Hanke’s Timeline with District 77:

This timeline outlines changes that I believe present challenges. It’s important to acknowledge the many dedicated staff members who consistently treat their peers and students with respect, tirelessly working to serve their community effectively. However, this timeline isn’t a reflection of their efforts. Rather, it’s a focused summary of policies and events that, in my view, complicate the management of relationships among the community, businesses, students, teachers, and the district.

Mankato Area Public Schools (MAPS) Educational and Equity Initiatives Timeline:

By Elizabeth Hanke

July 2021– Approval of Equity Framework.

  • Summer 2021– Mankato school receives ESSER III (CARES ACT) funding in the amount of $8,074,797.94. *There are equity spending requirements. This funding allows rehiring of teachers and support staff.
  • September 2021– MAPS holds Equity Summit
  • September 2021– Updated Vision Cards which measure state test performance, fiscal health, family satisfaction and attendance of students. Here are the vision cards.  Emphasizing race and gender-based hiring.  Here is the school board vote.  Darren Wacker motioned to approve vision cards, Kristi Schuck Second the motion.  Erin Roberts, Kenneth Ried, Jodi Sapp, Elizabeth Ratcliff and Chris Kind support the motion to approve the vision cards.
  • December 2021– Approval of Professional Development Funding. Retention strategies include incentives for teachers of color and placing educators of  color at sites with other educators of color to reduce isolation and increase opportunity for collegial support. Policy 466 V C.  
  • July 2022- Strategic Enrollment plan is headed up by Kristi Schuck and Patrick Baker.  Patrick Baker re establishes partnership with Greater Mankato Growth, GMG school district advisory group in an effort to improve enrollment and pass a school bond referendum
  • GMG September 2022– Updated Vision Cards not presented at the school board meeting as promised in 2021, raising transparency concerns. *We are not being transparent about our data.
  • June 2022–School Board Unanimously approves Removing Education as a goal from SCHOOL DISTRICT MISSION AND VISION STATEMENT.  Also removes integrity, respect, adaptability, responsibility, engagement and collaboration from our mission. Kristi Schuck made a motion to approve and Erin Roberts seconded the motion, Bukata Hayes, Jodi Sapps, Elizabeth Ratcliff and Chris Kind all voted in support of removing education, integrity and respect from the district mission statement.
  • 2021/2022 School Year Attendance Rate for the district was 64%, There were 8375 Students Enrolled and 48% math 55.2% Reading and 42.4% Science Proficiency on MCA tests
  • Oct. 2022- Staff came to a coffee and conversation.  They were advocating for more remedial services in order to help students get caught up. Shortly after Union teachers were allegedly shown this message over zoom.
    • Kari Pratt Spoke at a school board meeting, minute 3:32, to address these teachers’ concerns.  Stating that teachers do not feel safe.  It is a very good speech and you should watch it.
    • Director of Administrative Services at Mankato Area Public Schools said that: “Staff would like us to ask how they are doing. We often check in on them about how school is going … but not how they are doing as individuals. How are their peers doing? Staff wants the opportunity to share feedback and give input, but they want it conducted in a safe and productive manner. Without the fear of retaliation.”
  • 2022/2023 School Year Attendance Rate for the district was 57%, There were 8097 Students Enrolled and 51% math 55.% Reading and 42.4% Science Proficiency on MCA tests.
  • September 2023–
    • Updated Vision Cards still not presented at the school board meeting, continuing transparency issues. 
    • There is no longer Coffee and Conversation.
    • Quiz allegedly asked Mankato East students about sex dolls. For many years, this quiz was allegedly administered to students without incident. However, it wasn’t until a student photographed the quiz that the district finally addressed the issue. They underscore a growing atmosphere of mistrust, where problems often remain unaddressed until they gain viral attention.
    • large fight at east high school.  Students injured.
  • In October 2023, school board member Patrick Bakerattempted to retaliate against local businesses, who he believed opposed his stance on the $120 million school tax bond.
  • November 23 the 106 million dollar bond passes. 12.3 million (11.6%) Swimming pool  15.5 million (14.5%) Gymnasiums, 3.8 Million (3.5%) Site Improvements, 10.4 million (9.8%) classrooms, 6.3 million (6%) Wrestling,  2.9 Million (2.7%) Music, 10.4 Million (10%) secure entrance and offices, 8 million (7.5%) Renovations, 21 million (20%) Fees/Permits, 10.2 million (9.6%) Contingency.
  • December 23 fight breaks out at East High School a fire incident, raising safety concerns especially since East High School is not slated to receive bond funds.
  • March 2024 An Alleged Assault at Mankato West
  • April 2024 School Announces a new strategic roadmap
    • There are some concerns over poorly defined or agreed upon terms within the strategic roadmaps.

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