Mankato Area Public Schools Awarded Cardiac Emergency Response Plan Grant Funding
Mankato Area Public Schools(MAPS) has been awarded a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) Assistance Grant from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) to strengthen emergency preparedness and response across the district.
Mankato Area Public Schools is one of 31 districts, schools, and educational cooperatives statewide selected to receive funding through the grant program, which totals $836,000. The MAPS portion of the grant funding of $45,000 will help expand access to life-saving equipment, staff training, and coordinated emergency response procedures. District staff will also receive ongoing training and technical assistance through MDE.
As part of the initiative, MDE is partnering with Children’s Minnesota through its Project ADAM program to provide specialized training. This includes hands-on, train-the-trainer sessions focused on recognizing and responding to sudden cardiac arrest using hands-only CPR and automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
“This funding allows us to further strengthen the safety systems we have in place for our students, staff, and visitors,” said Scott Kaminiski, Director of Facilities at Mankato Area Public Schools. “By expanding training and ensuring we have clear, practiced response plans, we are better prepared to respond quickly and effectively in an emergency.”
The CERP grants were established during the 2025 legislative session to support schools in implementing cardiac preparedness plans. Grant recipients were selected based on demonstrated need for equipment and training.
Through this funding, Mankato Area Public Schools will continue its commitment to providing a safe and supportive learning environment where students can learn, grow, and thrive.
For more information about this news release contact Melanie Helling, Director of Communications at 507-387-1868 or email mhelli1@isd77.org.
