MAPS School Board approves Eagle Lake Day Care Construction Project

The Mankato Area Public Schools’ Board has approved the Eagle Lake day care construction project, advancing a key commitment made to the community as part of the 2023 bond referendum.

The project is intended to help address the ongoing need for additional child care space in Eagle Lake while making efficient use of existing district facilities.

“This project is a strong example of how the district can partner with the city and local providers to meet a real community need,” said Christopher Kind, MAPS School Board treasurer and the board’s representative on the Facilities Committee. “The Facilities Committee spent significant time reviewing the design and costs, and we are pleased to move forward with a plan that supports families in Eagle Lake and comes in well under the original bond budget.”

Since the passage of the bond referendum, district staff have worked with the city of Eagle Lake, local child care providers, First Children’s Finance and the Eagle Lake Economic Development Authority to develop a plan that responds to community needs and supports long term operational viability. The planning process has taken place over the past two years and included multiple rounds of review and feedback.

The approved project will renovate two classrooms at Eagle Lake Elementary School into dedicated child care suites. Each suite will include a kitchenette, bathroom, storage space, direct exterior access and an adjacent fenced outdoor play area. The design allows the spaces to function independently from the school day while remaining integrated into the school building.

The district Facilities Committee recently reviewed the proposed design and confirmed the overall direction. Additional feedback from providers and committee members will be incorporated as final construction documents are completed.

The estimated construction cost is $1.18 million. The estimate is $561,386 below the original bond budget allocated for child care space, reflecting careful planning and cost management.

Following this board approval, the district will proceed with a request for proposals and the bid process. Construction is expected to follow according to the approved project timeline.

For more information about this news release contact Melanie Helling, Director of Communications at 507-387-1868 or email mhelli1@isd77.org.