In the Spotlight: MAPS Superintendent Talks Construction Progress, Family Enrollment Study, and Upcoming Ballot Issues

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - Mankato Area Public Schools (MAPS) Superintendent Dr. Paul Peterson joined In the Spotlight to reflect on the kickoff of the new school year, ongoing facility investments across District 77, and findings from an in-depth community enrollment study.

• District Construction & Mankato West Upgrades: Students and staff have moved into new, collaborative learning spaces at Mankato West High School. Athletics and fitness facilities—including the gym, wrestling room, and weight room—are near completion, while work begins on a yearlong transformation of the old gym into a dedicated Fine Arts Center. Peterson confirmed the West tennis courts will be fully rebuilt down to the base once construction staging wraps up.
• Eligible Families Study Findings: Peterson outlined results from outreach conducted with resident families who chose private, charter, or homeschooling options. The district identified four main themes influencing departures: religious alignment, school size preferences, broader trust/institutional concerns, and—most significantly—past negative experiences where parents felt concerns lacked clear ownership and resolution. The district is now implementing protocols to ensure incident reports have dedicated owners through full resolution.
• November Ballot Measures: Mankato voters will decide two key public education questions this November:
  • School Board Election: Four candidates (incumbents Carrie Pratt and Patrick Baker, alongside challengers Joel Hollerich and Tracy Frederick) are running for three open seats, with current board chair Shannon Sinning not seeking reelection.
  • Statewide Constitutional Amendment: A ballot question proposing to increase the annual distribution rate from Minnesota’s Permanent School Fund to public schools up to 4.5%. Peterson emphasized that leaving the amendment blank on the ballot counts as an automatic “no” vote.

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