Mankato Area Public Schools Legislative Platform Focuses on Funding, Teacher Support, and Student Mental Health

Yesterday, Mankato Area Public Schools (MAPS) parents, students, educators, and administration shared the MAPS legislative priorities during a meeting with local representatives. The district emphasized key areas to support students, staff, and families, including funding, teacher recruitment and retention, and student mental health.

Funding: MAPS advocates for inflation-adjusted increases to the General Education Formula, reducing the special education cross-subsidy, and fully funding mandates such as unemployment insurance and cybersecurity. The district also calls for increased support for Career and Technical Education and academic counselors.

Teacher Recruitment and Retention: MAPS supports expanding student loan forgiveness, adjusting teacher retirement age, and increasing pathways into the profession through “Grow Your Own” programs and scholarships.

Student Mental Health: MAPS seeks additional resources for social-emotional learning, mental health training for staff, and culturally responsive education to meet diverse student needs.

Superintendent Dr. Paul Peterson emphasized the importance of legislative support, stating, “There is no better investment in our future than public education. The MAPS legislative platform reflects a commitment to ensuring each and every student has the resources and opportunities to succeed.”

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