## AGENDA ## Independent School District No. 77 ## Mankato, MN 56001 Monday, March 2, 2026 - 5:30 p.m. ## Intergovernmental Center - Mankato Room ## 1.CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL (5:30 P.M.) ## 2.APPROVAL OF AGENDA (5:30 P.M.) ## 3.MAPS STUDENT SPOTLIGHT (5:35 P.M.) ## 4.MAPS STAFF SPOTLIGHT (5:40 P.M.) ## 5.PUBLIC COMMENT (5:45 P.M.) ## 6.INFORMATION (5:55 P.M.) ## A.Annual School District Radon Report ## B.Talent Development Report ## C.Board Member Workshop/Committee/Student Reports ## 7.CONSENT AGENDA (6:15 P.M.) ## A.Approval of Minutes of February 17, 2026, Regular Meeting ## B.Personnel ## C.Approval of Extended Trip - Lancers Trip 2027 ## 8.ADJOURNMENT (6:20 P.M.) ## School Board Members for 2026 ## Shannon Sinning, Chair Phone: 507-207-4023 E-Mail: ssinni1@isd77.org ## Term Ends December 31, 2026 ## Kari Pratt, Vice Chair Phone: 507-207-4025 E-Mail: kpratt1@isd77.org ## Term Ends December 31, 2026 ## Patrick Baker, Treasurer Phone: 507-207-4028 E-Mail: pbaker1@isd77.org ## Term Ends December 31, 2026 ## Erin Roberts, Clerk Phone: 507-207-4026 E-Mail: erober1@isd77.org ## Term Ends December 31, 2028 ## Elizabeth Hanke Phone: 507-207-4030 E-Mail: ehanke1@isd77.org ## Term Ends December 31, 2028 ## Christopher Kind Phone: 507-207-4027 E-Mail: ckind1@isd77.org ## Term Ends December 31, 2028 ## Liz Ratcliff Phone: 507-207-4029 E-Mail: eratcl1@isd77.org ## Term Ends December 31, 2028 ## Paul Peterson, Superintendent ## 10 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 2 ## Mankato, MN 56001 Phone: 387-1868 E-Mail: ppeter1@isd77.org ## PUBLIC COMMENT GUIDELINES The Mankato Area School Board welcomes public participation through Public Comment. Hearing from citizens is an important aspect of public service, and the School Board appreciates people sharing their views. It is important to note that School Board meetings are business meetings held in the public. They are not public meetings nor are they a public forum. They are a business meeting of the elected representatives of the school district. The Mankato Area School Board expects that the same etiquette and decorum displayed during the business meeting be present during the Public Comment. Public Comment participation is limited to those individuals who wish to speak to an item on the Board agenda. The School Board does not comment or ask questions during Public Comment. Each speaker is asked to provide his/her name and city for the record. Each speaker is allowed three (3) minutes to speak. The Board Chair will alert speakers when their time is up. Failure to stop speaking and blatantly ignore the cue, will result in an individual losing the ability to participate in Public Comment for the next two months. When there is a large number of speakers, the Board Chair may modify Public Comment, such as shortening the time allotted for each speaker, adding an overall time limit, or shifting a portion of Public Comment to the end of the meeting. Public Comment participants are prohibited from calling out or addressing any individual School Board or school district staff member. If this occurs, Public Comment will be closed and the individual will not be allowed to participate in future Public Comments. Crowd noise or any sort of grandstanding during Public Comment, including applause, talking, shouting, or any outbursts will result in the Public Comment being closed. Citizens wishing to speak are asked to fill out the form online by 3 pm the day of the meeting or complete a Visitor Registration Card (located at the door of the meeting room) and hand it to the Board Chair or Deputy Clerk prior to the start of the meeting. Visit our Web Site at www.isd77.org School Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes can be found at: https://www.isd77.org/experience/school-board/agendas-and-minutes ## School Board Regular Meeting ## 6. A. ## Meeting Date:03/02/2026 ## Prepared By:Amanda Heilman, Director of Business Services ## Subject: ## Annual School District Radon Report ## Background: Radon testing is performed every five years on a rotating schedule for all district buildings, as mandated by MN Statute 123B.571 .  The district utilizes LTFM revenue for this testing, and is required to report test results at a school board meeting. All tested areas showed radon levels within safe thresholds, with the exception of nine spaces as determined by the Minnesota Department of Health.  Additional testing was conducted on these spaces and results came back with radon levels well below allowable limits in four out of the nine spaces. A Radon Mitigation System will be installed in the other spaces. A more detailed report is attached. ## Recommended Action: ## None ## Attachments ## Presentation Excellence, Equity, Empowerment. Every Student, Every Day. 2025 - 2026 2025-2026 ## Radon Report March 2, 2026 ## MANKATO ## AREA ## PUBLIC ## SCHOOLS ## MISSION & ## CORE ## VALUES ## MISSION ## Excellence, ## Equity, Empowerment. ## Every ## Student, ## Every Day. ## CORE ## VALUES • ## Courage ## Student ## Centered ## Integrity ## Accountable ## Inclusive ## Practices Excellence, Equity, Empowerment. Every Student, Every Day. ## Strategic Directions: ## Focus of Our Improvement Efforts A.Improving our professional practices so that each learner achieves at high levels in an inclusive educational model that is relevant and flexible B.Enhancing our student support structures to meet academic, social, behavioral, and mental health needs C.Recruiting, developing, and retaining staff to ensure positive learning experiences for students D.Strengthening our parent/caregiver partnerships and connections E.Ensuring safe, efficient and effective operations Excellence, Equity, Empowerment. Every Student, Every Day. ## Short-Term Radon Test ## The Institute for Environmental ## Assessment, Inc. (IEA) placed 141 Air Chek Pro Chek short-term radon test kits in 121 locations in the following buildings for the purpose of evaluating radon levels: • Franklin Elementary – 42 locations • INSITE – 17 locations • Futures – 35 locations • Jefferson Elementary – 27 locations A total of 141 radon test kits were placed from November 10, 2025, to November 13, 2025, for a total short-term sampling period of 3 days, including five (5) test kits that were missing at the time of pick-up. Air intakes and ventilation systems were operating in normal condition at the time of placement and retrieval. IEA was informed that the HVAC was on a normal operating schedule during the testing period. Excellence, Equity, Empowerment. Every Student, Every Day. Excellence, Equity, Empowerment. Every Student, Every Day. Excellence, Equity, Empowerment. Every Student, Every Day. ## Futures ## Retest ## All Pass Excellence, Equity, Empowerment. Every Student, Every Day. ## Jefferson Retest All Pass Excellence, Equity, Empowerment. Every Student, Every Day. ## Franklin Retest Showed ## Mitigation System ## Needs Excellence, Equity, Empowerment. Every Student, Every Day. ## School Board Regular Meeting ## 6. B. ## Meeting Date:03/02/2026 ## Prepared By:Travis Olson, Director of Teaching & Learning ## Subject: ## Talent Development Report ## Background: ## Bobbie Bastian, Elementary Academic Standards and Talent Development Coordinator, will be presenting the Talent Development Report. ## Recommended Action: ## None ## Attachments ## Presentation Excellence, Equity, Empowerment. Every Student, Every Day. 2025 - 2026 ## Talent ## Development Report ## to School Board Excellence, Equity, Empowerment. Every Student, Every Day. ## Strategic Directions: ## Focus of Our Improvement Efforts A.Improving our professional practices so that each learner achieves at high levels in an inclusive educational model that is relevant and flexible B.Enhancing our student support structures to meet academic, social, behavioral, and mental health needs C.Recruiting, developing, and retaining staff to ensure positive learning experiences for students D.Strengthening our parent/caregiver partnerships and connections E.Ensuring safe, efficient and effective operations Excellence, Equity, Empowerment. Every Student, Every Day. ## District Mission & Talent Development Programming The district mission for Mankato Area Public Schools provides the foundation for Talent ## Development Programming: “Excellence, Equity, Empowerment. Every Student, Every Day.” As part of accomplishing this mission, we believe that education should help students discover their gifts and talents. Talent Development goals include: ●meeting students where they are at in order to bring out students’ potential ●nurturing students’ passions and strengths to engage students in learning ●challenging students in order to provide them with a purposeful and motivating education These goals provide the foundation of Talent Development work throughout the district. Excellence, Equity, Empowerment. Every Student, Every Day. ## Talent Development Overview The role of a Talent Development Program is to support the education of children and youth who demonstrate these high levels of achievement or potential ability in general intellectual areas, specific academic subjects, creativity, leadership, and visual and performing arts. Excellence, Equity, Empowerment. Every Student, Every Day. ## Talent Development Professional Development Teachers who work with academically talented students receive ongoing professional development and support for the unique needs of these students. This training includes the following areas: ●understanding the characteristics of academically talented students ●meeting the learning needs of academically talented students ●utilizing best practices in meeting the needs of academically talented students including: ○focusing on higher order thinking skills, not more of the same; ○using the 4Cs Framework for meeting the needs of academically talented students; ■compacting curriculum and using replacement activities; ■increasing the complexity of learning activities; ■incorporating critical thinking into learning activities; ■embedding creative thinking into learning activities; ●using specific district curricular resources ●using flexible grouping of students to meet the needs of academically talented students Excellence, Equity, Empowerment. Every Student, Every Day. ## Talent Development Implementation 25-26 ●Elementary staff/admin workshop week ●Mentor Coach collaboration to support teachers & students ●Personalized Learning plans with coordinator and admin ●Elementary and Middle School Professional Development for teachers of highly capable students (fall and spring) ●Middle School update of MCT material into Canva ●Elementary and Middle School meetings with TD coordinator to review teacher responsibilities and expectations and implementation fidelity ## ●Teaching & Learning Talent Development Website updates ●Online administration of the CogAt ●Enrollment into TD opportunities Excellence, Equity, Empowerment. Every Student, Every Day. ## Talent Development Services in Elementary School ●Differentiated instruction in K-5 classes ●Differentiated curriculum resources ●Early Entrance to Kindergarten option for eligible students ## ●Grade K-2 Enrichment Activities delivered by Talent Development ## Services ●Grade 3-5 Cluster classrooms in reading and math ●Academic challenge activities ●Academic challenge competitions and events in reading, math, and science ## ●Rising Scholar Services Excellence, Equity, Empowerment. Every Student, Every Day. ## Talent Development Services in Middle School ●Differentiated instruction in 6-8 classes ●Differentiated curriculum resources ●Grade 6 Cluster Classrooms in reading and math ## ●Grade 6 Rising Scholar Service ●Grade 7-8 enriched and accelerated math options ●Grade 7-8 cluster classrooms in English ●STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) approach to learning ## ●Academic Challenge Opportunities: Math Counts, Math League, Spelling ## Bee, Geography Bee, Knowledge Bowl, Drama Club, Debate, Student ## Council Excellence, Equity, Empowerment. Every Student, Every Day. ## Talent Development Services in High School ●Differentiated instruction in 9-12 classes ●Grade 9-10 enriched classes in English, math, and social studies ●AP courses in 12 subject areas ●Concurrent enrollment classes in 7 MNTC goal areas (11 Courses) ## ●AVID ## ●Project Lead the Way Engineering Program ●Elective courses in multiple subject areas ## ●Fine Arts & Activities: Connection Choir, Orchesis, Debate, Jazz Band, ## Knowledge Bowl, Math League, and Speech ●Clubs and Organizations: Science Club, DECA, Drama Club, HOSA, Link ## Crew, National Honor Society, Student Council, VEX Robotics, Visual ## Arts, Yearbook Excellence, Equity, Empowerment. Every Student, Every Day. Thank You! Questions? ## School Board Regular Meeting ## 6. C. ## Meeting Date:03/02/2026 ## Prepared By:Paul Peterson, Superintendent ## Subject: ## Board Member Workshop/Committee/Student Reports ## Background: Board members will have an opportunity to provide brief reports on recent workshops they have attended or on committees they are serving on. Student representatives will have an opportunity to provide brief updates on their schools. ## Recommended Action: ## None ## School Board Regular Meeting ## 7. A. ## Meeting Date:03/02/2026 ## Prepared By:Paul Peterson, Superintendent ## Subject: ## Approval of Minutes of February 17, 2026, Regular Meeting ## Background: See attachment. ## Recommended Action: Recommend approval of the minutes and proceedings as attached. ## Attachments Minutes - February 17, 2026 ## SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES ## INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 77 ## Mankato, Minnesota February 17, 2026 The School Board of Independent School District No. 77 met in regular session on Tuesday, February 17, in the Minnesota River Room at the Intergovernmental Center. Chair Sinning called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. Members present at roll call: Patrick Baker, Elizabeth Hanke, Christopher Kind, Kari Pratt, Liz Ratcliff, Erin Roberts, and Shannon Sinning. Members absent: None. Mrs. Ratcliff made a motion, and Mrs. Pratt seconded, approval of the agenda together with a Personnel Addendum. The motion carried on a 7-0 voice vote. The consent agenda items outlined below were approved on a motion by Mrs. Ratcliff, seconded by Mr. Kind, and carried on a 7-0 roll call vote. Approval of Minutes of the February 2, 2026, regular Board meeting. Approval of February Bills totaling $22,816,120.45 Personnel : ## APPOINTMENTS (INSTRUCTIONAL) Andrea Brinkman - Part-time (0.167 FTE) Music Teacher at West High School beginning February 9, and ending May 21, 2026. She will be placed at step 10 of the M lane on the Teachers Association salary schedule. Amy Kranz - Full-time (1.00 FTE) Early Childhood Special Education Teacher at MAPS Center for Learning beginning August 24, 2026, for the 2026-27 school year. She will be placed at step 3 of the B lane on the Teachers Association salary schedule. Marcus Kruger - Full-time (1.00 FTE) Special Education K-12 DAPE Teacher, site to be determined, beginning August 24, 2026, for the 2026-27 school year. He will be placed at step 10 of the M+30 lane on the Teachers Association salary schedule. Carrie Nolan - Full-time (1.00 FTE) Special Education Teacher at Prairie Winds Middle School beginning January 29, 2026. She will be placed at step 1 of the B lane on the Teachers Association salary schedule. ## APPOINTMENTS (NON-INSTRUCTIONAL) Mary Deschneau - ACES Child Care Assistant at Monroe Elementary School for 3-4 hours per day/1 days per week beginning February 9, 2026. She will be compensated at the rate of $15.00 per hour. ## Minutes of February 17, 2026, School Board Meeting Rogan Kelling - Special Education Paraeducator at Monroe Elementary School for 5.5 hours per day/2 days per week (T/TH), 4 hours per day/1 day per week (M), and 4.5 hours per day/1 day per week (F) beginning February 9, 2026. She will be placed at classification B22, step 1, in accordance with the agreement between the District and the Minnesota School Employee Association. Elan Litt - ACES Child Care Assistant at Rosa Parks Elementary School for 3-4 hours per day/3 days per week beginning February 9, 2026. She will be compensated at the rate of $15.00 per hour. Trista Marsolek - Health & Wellness Paraeducator at Washington Elementary School for 6.5 hours per day/5 days per week beginning February 9, 2026. She will be placed at classification B22.5, step 1, in accordance with the agreement between the District and the Minnesota School Employee Association. Kalie Osowski - ACES Student Support Assistant at Monroe Elementary School for 3-4 hours per day/1 days per week beginning February 4, 2026. She will be compensated at the rate of $16.00 per hour. Rachel Stock - ACES Child Care Assistant at Monroe Elementary School for 3-4 hours per day/2 days per week beginning February 4, 2026. She will be compensated at the rate of $15.00 per hour. ## CONTRACT ADJUSTMENTS (INSTRUCTIONAL) Anastasia Carter - Voluntary decrease in assignment as ECFE Parent Educator at MAPS Center for Learning from 321 annual hours (0.223 FTE) to 186 annual hours (0.129 FTE) beginning December 1, 2025. This is in addition to her Early Learning Social Worker assignment. Chantell Drummer - Increase in assignment as Early Childhood Teacher at MAPS Center for Learning from 997 annual hours (0.69 FTE) to 1033 annual hours (0.717 FTE) beginning February 23, 2026. Deanna Hofmeister - Increase in assignment as ECFE Teacher at MAPS Center for Learning from 135 annual hours (0.094 FTE) to 195 annual hours (0.135 FTE) beginning February 23, 2026. Mary Mccuskey Simpson - Voluntary decrease in assignment as ECFE Parent Educator at MAPS Center for Learning from 749.5 annual hours (0.52 FTE) to 734.5 annual hours (0.51 FTE) beginning February 23, 2026. Evelyn Scheibe - Adjust start date to February 6, 2026, as long-term Substitute Teacher at Prairie Winds Middle School. Kristine Schimek - Voluntary decrease in assignment as Early Learning Parent Educator at MAPS Center for Learning from 169 annual hours (0.117 FTE) to 151 annual hours (0.105 FTE) beginning February 23, 2026. ## Minutes of February 17, 2026, School Board Meeting ## CONTRACT ADJUSTMENTS (NON-INSTRUCTIONAL) Peyton Berreman - Increase hourly rate to $15.25 as ACES Child Care Assistant at Monroe Elementary School beginning February 2, 2026. Stella Byrd - Increase in assignment as Early Learning Classroom Aide at MAPS Center for Learning from 3 hours per day/3 days per week (T-TH) to 6.5 hours per day/3 days per week (T-TH) and 2 hours per day/2 days per week (M/F) beginning January 19, 2026. Mercy Emery - Adjust start date to February 3, 2026, as Special Education Paraeducator at Rosa Parks Elementary School. Ashlyn Guse - Increase hourly rate to $15.50 as ACES Child Care Assistant beginning February 16, 2026. This is in addition to her ACES Site Lead Substitute assignment. Marissa Herbst - Increase hourly rate to $15.75 as ACES Child Care Assistant beginning February 16, 2026. This is in addition to her ACES Site Lead assignment at Hoover Elementary School. Madeline Kempenich - Increase hourly rate to $15.50 as ACES Child Care Assistant Substitute beginning February 16, 2026. Maya Kopp - Increase hourly rate to $15.25 as ACES Child Care Assistant Substitute beginning February 2, 2026. Haylee Palmer - Increase in assignment as Early Learning Special Education Paraeducator at MAPS Center for Learning from 6.5 hours per day/3 days per week (M-W) to 6.5 hours per day/4 days per week (M-TH) beginning January 12, 2026. Grace Palmquist - Change in assignment from ACES Site Lead at Hoover Elementary School to ACES Site Lead Substitute on an on-call basis beginning January 2, 2026. Tayler Penning - Increase hourly rate to $15.25 as ACES Child Care Assistant at Jefferson Elementary School beginning February 16, 2026. Toni Roberts - Change in assignment from Kitchen Float Cook Helper with the District to Cook Helper at East High School for 6.5 hours per day/5 days per week beginning February 9, 2026. She will be compensated according to her placement on the Minnesota School Employees Association salary schedule. Lauren Swanson - Voluntary decrease in assignment as Special Education Paraeducator at East High School from 6.75 hours per day/5 days per week to 6.75 hours per day/3 days per week (W-F), 3.25 hours per day/1 day per week (M) and 5.5 hours per day/1 day per week (T) beginning February 9, 2026. ## REQUESTS FOR LEAVE (INSTRUCTIONAL) Jessica Dowd - Special Education Teacher at Prairie Winds Middle School, has requested unpaid leave beginning February 6, and continuing through the end of the 2025-26 school year. ## Minutes of February 17, 2026, School Board Meeting Jessica Kingston - Teacher currently on Board-approved leave has requested unpaid leave for the 2026-27 school year. Abigail Miller - Adjust start date to February 6, 2026, for Board-approved leave. Michael Shores - Teacher currently on Board-approved leave has requested unpaid leave for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years. Renee Unger - Teacher currently on Board-approved leave has requested unpaid leave for the 2026-27 school year. Christina Woodside - Teacher currently on Board-approved leave has requested unpaid leave for the 2026-27 school year. ## REQUESTS FOR LEAVE (NON-INSTRUCTIONAL) Bridgette Ketter - Health & Wellness Paraeducator at Washington Elementary School, has requested unpaid leave beginning February 3, and returning to work on April 3, 2026. ## RESIGNATIONS (INSTRUCTIONAL) Rebecca Heinze - Early Childhood Special Education Teacher at MAPS Center for Learning, has submitted a resignation for the purpose of retirement. The last day of employment will be May 26, 2026. Mary Mccuskey Simpson - Elementary Teacher currently on leave, has submitted a resignation for the purpose of retirement. The last day for this assignment will be May 26, 2026. She will continue as ECFE Parent Educator at MAPS Center for Learning. Linette Moyer - ECFE Teacher at MAPS Center for Learning, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be February 20, 2026. Sadie Nelson - Special Education Teacher at Rosa Parks Elementary, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be May 26, 2026. Colleen Newman - Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Interventionist at MAPS Center for Learning, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be February 27, 2026. Joyce Petersen - Intervention Teacher at Rosa Parks Elementary School, has submitted a resignation for the purpose of retirement. The last day of employment will be May 26, 2026. ## RESIGNATIONS (NON-INSTRUCTIONAL) Kelly Chiet - Childcare Assistant Teacher at Lincoln Logs Learning Center, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be February 5, 2026. Carrie Nolan - Special Education Paraeducator at Prairie Winds Middle School, has submitted a resignation in order to accept the Teaching position. The last day for this assignment will be January 28, 2026. ## Minutes of February 17, 2026, School Board Meeting Josie Robertson - Early Learning Classroom Aide at MAPS Center for Learning, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be January 30, 2026. ## Addendum ## APPOINTMENTS (INSTRUCTIONAL) Shelby Homan - Full-time (1.00 FTE) Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Interventionist at MAPS Center for Learning beginning February 23, 2026, for the 2025-26 school year. She will be placed at step 1 of the B lane on the Teachers Association salary schedule. ## APPOINTMENTS (NON-INSTRUCTIONAL) Hawa Abdillahi - ABE Teaching Assistant with the Adult Basic Education Program at Lincoln Community Center for 4.25 hours per day/4 days per week (M-TH) beginning February 23, and ending May 14, 2026. She will be compensated at the rate of $17.00 per hour. Roni Christensen - Health & Wellness Paraeducator at SUN for 5.5 hours per day/5 days per week beginning February 16, 2026. She will be placed at classification B22.5, step 1, in accordance with the agreement between the District and the Minnesota School Employee Association. Elsa Gonzalez - ACES Child Care Assistant at Franklin Elementary School for 3-4 hours per day/2 days per week beginning February 10, 2026. She will be compensated at the rate of $16.25 per hour. Jane Ikonitski - Special Education Paraeducator at Monroe Elementary School for 4 hours per day/3 days per week (M-W) beginning February 16, 2026. She will be placed at classification B22, step 1, in accordance with the agreement between the District and the Minnesota School Employee Association. Marin Johnson - ACES Child Care Assistant Substitute on an on-call basis beginning February 17, 2026. She will be compensated at the rate of $15.00 per hour. Madison Mattson - Student Success Coach at Bridges Community School for 2.667 hours per day/4 days per week (M-TH) beginning February 11, 2026. She will be placed at classification B22, step 1, in accordance with the agreement between the District and the Minnesota School Employee Association. Lauren McAlpine - ACES Child Care Assistant Substitute on an on-call basis beginning February 19, 2026. She will be compensated at the rate of $15.00 per hour. Elise Muehlenhardt - Health & Wellness Paraeducator at Futures for 6.5 hours per day/5 days per week beginning February 16, 2026. She will be placed at classification B22.5, step 2, in accordance with the agreement between the District and the Minnesota School Employee Association. Kalie Osowski - ACES Student Support Assistant at Monroe Elementary School for 3-4 hours per day/1 day per week beginning February 4, 2026. She will be compensated at the rate of $16.00 per hour. ## Minutes of February 17, 2026, School Board Meeting Brenna Patterson - ACES Child Care Assistant at Monroe Elementary School for 3-4 hours per day/2 days per week beginning February 17, 2026. She will be compensated at the rate of $15.00 per hour. Thomas Rykhus - Coffee Shop Associate at West High School for 2 hours per day/5 days per week beginning January 20, and ending May 21, 2026. He will be compensated at the rate of $11.41 per hour. Trevor Sheldrup - Coffee Shop Associate at West High School for 2 hours per day/5 days per week beginning January 21, and ending May 21, 2026. He will be compensated at the rate of $11.41 per hour. Jake Stensvad - ACES Child Care Assistant Substitute on an on-call basis beginning February 16, 2026. He will be compensated at the rate of $15.25 per hour. Johanna Thompson - Health & Wellness Paraeducator at Washington Elementary School for 6.5 hours per day/5 days per week beginning February 16, 2026. She will be placed at classification B22.5, step 1, in accordance with the agreement between the District and the Minnesota School Employee Association. Cade Williamson - Health & Wellness Paraeducator at Futures for 7.5 hours per day/2 days per week (M/F) and 4.5 hours per day/1 day per week (W) beginning February 9, 2026. He will be placed at classification B22.5, step 1, in accordance with the agreement between the District and the Minnesota School Employee Association. ## CONTRACT ADJUSTMENTS (INSTRUCTIONAL) Mallory Howk - Change in assignment from 5th Grade Teacher at Franklin Elementary School to Elementary Mentor Coach (TOSA) at Bridges Community School and Washington Elementary School beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2030. Kelsey Nelson - Change in assignment from 4th Grade Teacher at Eagle Lake Elementary School to Elementary Mentor Coach (TOSA) at Eagle Lake Elementary and Monroe Elementary Schools beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2030. Angela Timmerman - Increase in assignment as ECFE Parent Educator at MAPS Center for Learning from 849.5 annual hours (0.59 FTE) to 863.5 annual hours (0.60 FTE) beginning February 23, 2026. Megan Van Beek - Voluntary decrease in assignment as ECFE Teacher at MAPS Center for Learning from 275 annual hours (0.19 FTE) to 251 annual hours (0.17 FTE) beginning February 23, 2026. ## CONTRACT ADJUSTMENTS (NON-INSTRUCTIONAL) Anastasiia Palm - Increase in assignment as ABE Teaching Assistant at Lincoln Community Center from 2.25 hours per day/3 days per week (T-TH) to 6.5 hours per day/3 days per week (T-TH) and 4.25 hours per day/2 days per week (M/F) beginning February 23, 2026. She will be eligible for 6-3-2 benefits. ## Minutes of February 17, 2026, School Board Meeting Carlese Ronning - Increase in assignment as Non-classroom Paraeducator at Rosa Parks Elementary School from 2.167 hours per day/2 days per week (T/TH) and .75 hours per day/3 days per week (M/W/F) to 2.167 hours per day/5 days per week beginning February 2 and ending May 18, 2026. Elizabeth Vars - Increase hourly rate to $15.50 as ACES Child Care Assistant Substitute beginning February 2, 2026. Myzel Williams - Voluntary decrease in assignment as Special Education Paraeducator at Dakota Meadows Middle School from 5 hours per day/2 days per week (M/T) and 4.5 hours per day/3 days per week (W-F) to 4 hours per day/2 days per week (M/T) and 4.5 hours per day/3 days per week (W-F) beginning February 9, 2026. ## REQUESTS FOR LEAVE (INSTRUCTIONAL) Celena Brandel - Extend Board-approved leave, returning on March 27, 2026. ## RESIGNATIONS (INSTRUCTIONAL) Rebecca Brudwick - 5th Grade Teacher at Hoover Elementary School, has submitted a resignation for the purpose of retirement. The last day of employment will be May 27, 2026. Nicole Dwinell - Teacher currently on leave, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be May 26, 2026. ## RESIGNATIONS (NON-INSTRUCTIONAL) Olivia O'Hara-Hulett - Early Learning Classroom Aide at MAPS Center for Learning, has submitted a resignation. The last day for this assignment will be February 11, 2026. She will continue as an Early Learning Classroom Aide Substitute. Lauren Swanson - Special Education Paraeducator at East High School, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be February 10, 2026. Isaac Wadd - Special Education Paraeducator at MAPS Center for Learning, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be February 20, 2026. ## Approval of Agreement Regarding Discontinuation of Employment There being no further business to consider, Mrs. Pratt moved and Mrs. Ratcliff seconded, that the meeting be adjourned. The meeting was declared adjourned at 5:33 p.m., on a 7-0 voice vote. ## Clerk ## Attest: ## Chairperson ## Minutes of February 17, 2026, School Board Meeting ## SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS ## INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 77 ## Mankato, Minnesota February 17, 2026 The School Board of Independent School District No. 77 met in regular session on Tuesday, February 17, in the Minnesota River Room at the Intergovernmental Center. Chair Sinning called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. Members present at roll call: Patrick Baker, Elizabeth Hanke, Christopher Kind, Kari Pratt, Liz Ratcliff, Erin Roberts, and Shannon Sinning. Members absent: None. 1. Ratcliff/Pratt approval of agenda with personnel addendum. 7-0 2. Ratcliff/Kind approval of Consent Agenda Items: Approval of Minutes of the February 2, 2026, regular meeting; Approval of February Bills; Personnel; Approval of Agreement ## Regarding Discontinuation of Employment. 7-0 3. Pratt/Ratcliff adjournment at 5:33 p.m. 7-0 ## Independent School District No. 77 ## Mankato, Minnesota ## By: Erin Roberts The complete minutes and all documents relating to this meeting are on file and available for review in the Superintendent’s Office, 10 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 2 and on-line at www.isd77.org . ## Minutes of February 17, 2026, School Board Meeting ## School Board Regular Meeting ## 7. B. ## Meeting Date:03/02/2026 ## Prepared By:John Lustig, Director of Administrative Services ## Subject: ## Personnel ## Background: ## APPOINTMENTS (INSTRUCTIONAL) ## Kim Hermer - Work-Based Learning Teacher at East High School for 0.167 FTE beginning January 21, 2026, for the 2nd semester of the 2025-26 school year. She will be placed at step 10 of the B+30 lane on the Teachers Association salary schedule. ## Dylan Kennedy - Long-term Substitute Teacher at Hoover Elementary School beginning March 10, and ending May 26, 2026. He will be placed at step 1 of the B lane on the Teachers Association salary schedule. Charles Reilly - Full-time (1.00 FTE) Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Interventionist at Prairie Winds Middle School beginning February 25, 2026. He will be placed at step 1 of the B lane on the Teachers Association salary schedule. The following will be teachers in the Central High night school Program for 2.5 hours per day/2 nights per week (T/TH) beginning March 3 and ending April 21, 2026. They will be compensated according to their placement on the Teachers Association salary schedule. ## Frederick Berg, Zachary Blasing, Emma Brunton, Jeremy Burger, David Burgess, Heather Fitzsimmons, ## Heather Gilman, Russell Groebner, Jeffery Helget, Laura Januschka, Crystal Kay, Amanda Kline, ## Jessica Larsen, TerRon Lee, Christina Makela, Aaron Miller, Sherry Miller, Rebecca Sellers, Michael ## Sipe, Daniel Toegel, Kristin Van Otterloo, Amber Waibel, Matthew Weichert, Anna Wirth, Christopher ## Wollmuth ## APPOINTMENTS (NON-INSTRUCTIONAL) Antonio Davis - Second Cook at East High School for 8 hours per day/5 days per week beginning March 2, 2026. He will be placed at classification A13, step 6, in accordance with the agreement between the District and the Minnesota School Employee Association. Melissa Fowler - 8-hour, 12-month, Floating Evening Custodian with the District beginning February 23, 2026. She will be placed at classification A13, step 3, in accordance with the agreement between the District and the Minnesota School Employee Association. ## Duy Linh Nguyen - ABE Teaching Assistant with the Adult Basic Education Program at Lincoln Community Center for 2 hours per day/2 days per week (T/TH), 3.25 hours per day/1 day per week (W), and 2.75 hours per day/1 day per week (F) beginning March 25 and ending May 13, 2026. This is in addition to his ABE Teaching Assistant Substitute assignment. Ava Schneider - ACES Child Care Assistant Substitute on an on-call basis beginning February 23, 2026. She will be compensated at the rate of $15.00 per hour. ## Isaac Wadd - ACES Site Lead Substitute at Rosa Parks Elementary School on an on-call basis beginning March 2 and ending March 13, 2026. He will be compensated at the rate of $19.25 per hour. ## CONTRACT ADJUSTMENTS (INSTRUCTIONAL) ## Hanno Botha - Change in assignment from Elementary School Counselor at Monroe Elementary School to Youth Mental Health Navigator with the District beginning August 31, 2026. Erika Schenk - Increase in assignment as Agriculture Teacher at East High and West High Schools from 1.00 FTE to 1.083 FTE for the 2nd semester of the 2025-26 school year. ## CONTRACT ADJUSTMENTS (NON-INSTRUCTIONAL) ## Kennedy Macke - Decrease in assignment as Special Education Paraeducator at East High School from 5.25 hours per day/5 days per week to 4.75 hours per day/5 days per week beginning January 12, 2026. ## Maryam Mahamud - Voluntary decrease in assignment as ABE Teaching Assistant with the Adult Basic Education Program at Lincoln Community Center from 1.75 hours per day/4 days per week (M-TH) to 1 hour per day/4 days per week (M–TH) beginning February 23, 2026. This is in addition to her Home ## School Liaison assignment with the Adult Basic Education Program and Paraeducator Substitute assignment at MAPS Center for Learning. ## Maryam Mahamud - Increase in assignment as Home School Liaison with the Adult Basic Education Program from 2.5 hours per day/4 days per week (M-TH) to 3.5 hours per day/4 days per week (M-TH) beginning February 23, 2026. This is in addition to her ABE Teaching Assistant assignment with the Adult Basic Education Program and Paraeducator Substitute assignment at MAPS Center for Learning. ## Ann Vose - Voluntary decrease in assignment as Student Success Coach at Eagle Lake Elementary from 6.25 hours per day/5 days per week to 4 hours per day/5 days per week beginning March 9, 2026. ## RESIGNATIONS (INSTRUCTIONAL) Deanna Hofmeister - ECFE Teacher at MAPS Center for Learning, has submitted a resignation for the purpose of retirement. The last day of employment will be May 22, 2026. She will continue as a Substitute Teacher at MAPS Center for Learning. ## Shelby Homan - Rescind acceptance as Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Interventionist at MAPS Center for Learning. ## Kristen Toner - Developmental Adapted Physical Education Teacher with the District, has submitted a resignation for the purpose of retirement. The last day of employment will be May 27, 2026. ## RESIGNATIONS (NON-INSTRUCTIONAL) Elsa Gonzalez - ACES Child Care Assistant at Franklin Elementary School, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be March 5, 2026. ## Kierra Henderson - ACES Child Care Assistant at Kennedy Elementary School, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be February 11, 2026. ## Grace Olson - ACES Child Care Assistant at Rosa Parks Elementary School, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be February 16, 2026. ## Charles Reilly - Special Education Paraeducator at Prairie Winds Middle School, has submitted a resignation in order to accept the teaching position. The last day for this assignment will be February 24, 2026. ## Maximus Sims - Non-classroom Paraeducator at Rosa Parks Elementary School, has submitted a resignation. The last day for this assignment will be February 6, 2026. He will continue as a Paraeducator Substitute. This is in addition to his ACES Child Care Assistant Substitute assignment. ## Zachary Stackurski - Student Success Coach at Roosevelt Elementary School, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be February 27, 2026. ## Ann Vose - Student Success Coach at Eagle Lake Elementary School, has submitted a resignation for the purpose of retirement. The last day of employment will be May 18, 2026. Quincy Zarn - 8-hour Evening Custodian at Hoover Elementary School, has submitted a resignation. The last day of employment will be February 24, 2026. ## Recommended Action: The Administration recommends the approval of the personnel items. ## School Board Regular Meeting ## 7. C. ## Meeting Date:03/02/2026 ## Prepared By:Paul Peterson, Superintendent ## Subject: ## Approval of Extended Trip - Lancers Trip 2027 ## Background: The Mankato Lancer program requested school board approval of an extended trip and out-of-state travel October 19-25, 2027 for the purpose of performances, collaboration, and rehearsals with Puerto Rican schools and students. ## Under Minnesota State High School League bylaw 411.00 Travel For Out-of-State, the school board must complete the following steps prior to any travel by the team: Review a complete copy of the itinerary planned for the school team.1. Review the financial aspect of the trip including the funds to be received from and expended by the school team. 2. Identify the manner in which the school board will comply with the Title IX relative to travel opportunities for each gender. 3. Approve travel for the school team at a regularly scheduled school board meeting.4. This request also received prior approval by Principal Osman and Principal Blasing and is in alignment with District Policy 610 Field Trips for school sponsored extended supplemental trips that are considered to be a part of the school’s program. ## Recommended Action: The administration recommends that the School Board approve the extended trip, per MSHSL requirement. ## Attachments