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Board approves gifts, Eagle Lake HVAC bid and ratifies principals' contract after fiscal concerns
Summary
The Mankato school board accepted several donations, awarded a $287,000 carpentry contract for Eagle Lake Elementary HVAC work and ratified a two-year principals—master agreement (2025—27) described as a 2-year package of 8.74%, with one board member voting no and expressing concern about long-term sustainability.
At its Feb. 2 meeting the Mankato Public School District board voted on multiple business items: acceptance of donations and grants, approval of a carpentry bid for the Eagle Lake Elementary IAQ HVAC project and ratification of the 2025—27 master agreement with the Mankato Association of Principals.
Gifts and grants: Superintendent Peterson read multiple contributions for board approval, including a $3,000 donation from Shields (distributed as $1,000 each to West High girls lacrosse, West High boys hockey and West High girls hockey), a $13.89 adaptive chair donation, a $12.24 gym stripe replacement in East High, an $11,000 gift to Central High and several $500 donations and in-kind gifts (donuts, equipment). The board voted to accept the donations.
Eagle Lake HVAC: Facilities staff presented the final carpentry scope bid for the 2026 IAQ HVAC project at Eagle Lake Elementary: Kellington Construction for $287,000. The board approved the contract by roll call.
Principals' agreement: Director Lustig presented a tentative master agreement he described as "a 2 year package of 8.74%" for the Mankato Association of Principals. Several board members voiced support for the negotiated settlement and the process; one board member asked how the package affects long-range financial forecasts and urged caution. Board member Henke said she was concerned about "the long term structural sustainability to our district" and urged either slowing compensation growth or identifying offsets before approving multiyear increases. Superintendent Peterson noted the district routinely negotiates with multiple employee groups and asked the board to consider how its votes could affect future negotiations. Supporters of the settlement said it was fair, aligned to market comparisons and necessary to retain leaders.
The board ratified the principals' agreement on a roll-call vote; the vote recorded six yes votes and one no (Henke). The administration said the package was calculated into the forecast and fits within current projections.
Votes at a glance: - Approval of consent agenda (minutes and personnel with addendum): approved by roll call. - Acceptance of listed gifts and grants: approved by roll call. - Approval of 2026 IAQ HVAC Eagle Lake carpentry bid (Kellington Construction, $287,000): approved by roll call. - Ratification of 2025—27 Master Agreement with Mankato Association of Principals (two-year package, 8.74%): ratified by roll call, 6 yes, 1 no.
Next steps: Facilities will proceed with contracting for the Eagle Lake carpentry scope. Human resources/finance will incorporate the principals' agreement into the district—s forecast and will return financial updates as part of ongoing budget monitoring.
