Mankato Public School District honors employees for 25, 30 and 35 years of service

At its May 19, 2025 regular meeting, the Independent School District 77 school board recognized staff who have completed 25, 30 and 35 years of service with the Mankato Public School District.

The board read names of honorees and shared short biographies and remarks from presenters. The annual employee career recognition highlights long service across the district’s elementary, middle and high schools; tokens of appreciation were presented to attendees and other recipients will receive recognition at their buildings.

Board member Miss Roberts introduced David Burgess of East High School, noting Burgess’s 30 years with the district and a teaching career that the presentation said spans 43 years; the remarks said he has served as a science teacher, coach and planetarium director. Presenters also recognized Kristen Dowk of Dakota Meadows Middle School for more than 30 years of service; the board noted her long teaching career, master’s degree from Minnesota State University, and volunteer work including fostering animals. Kayla Cobley, Chrissy Makala, Steve Mathis, Cheryl Menke and others were named and lauded for classroom teaching, coaching and custodial and support roles that presenters said have supported students and colleagues across the district.

Thirty-five–year honorees included Diane Jones of Franklin Elementary School and Kristin Toner, recognized for building the district’s adapted physical education program. Presenters highlighted Toner’s work growing a specialized team from one teacher into multiple staff members serving several buildings.

Superintendent Dr. Peterson closed the recognition portion by emphasizing the district’s reliance on experienced staff. “Schools are people organizations. It takes a tremendous amount of adults to shape, nurture, [and] help students reach their highest potential,” Dr. Peterson said, praising both classroom staff and support personnel.

The board moved on to other business after the recognition; recipients not present will be honored at their school buildings, and the district said it will continue to publicly recognize long-serving employees in future meetings.