Greater Mankato Growth applauds the passage of the Mankato Area Schools bond referendum on November 7. Question 1 passed with a vote of 5,520 to 5,005 and, as a result, $105 million in projects will be completed throughout the community. These projects include safety and security improvements at ten buildings, additional early learning space at the MAPS Center for Learning and Eagle Lake Elementary, a reconfiguration of West High School athletic and fine arts spaces, along with the addition of a new competition and community pool at Dakota Meadows Middle School. Question 2 on outdoor activity spaces did not pass (4,870 to 5,576). There is more information about the details and scope of each project at the MAPS website.

The Greater Mankato Growth board of directors unanimously supported the bond referendum. Our support was simple: the economic growth and vitality of our members and the regional marketplace relies on strong public schools. The projects included in the referendum will ensure our children have safe, secure, and quality education facilities. These future-focused facilities will support our community’s efforts to be a talent hub, driving future economic growth.

For more information, please check out the op-ed in the Mankato Free Press written by Andy Wilke, Executive Vice President of Greater Mankato Growth.