Congratulations to the Mankato Area Public Schools—Recipient of the School Finance Award Four Consecutive Years

A special congratulation is extended to the Mankato school district—who has received the School Finance Award each year of the award’s four year history. It is one of only two education units among 545 in the state to earn this distinction. Since FY 2003, the Minnesota Department of Education has awarded the Mankato Area Public Schools this award for exemplifying sound fiscal health and financial management, policies and practices. The FY06 awards went to 7.5% (42 units) of the total 545 reporting units.

“We believe it is very important to be fiscally responsible with the resources entrusted to us from our citizens and from the state of Minnesota,” Mankato Superintendent Ed Waltman said. “We have a board policy that says if we have a deficit, we have to go to the board and come up with a plan to get out of the deficit. Our goal is to plan ahead and make decisions before we have difficulties.” Charles Speiker, financial manager in the finance division of the Minnesota Department of Education states, “Not only are they one of the 42 this year, they’re one that has gotten it every year since its inception. Four straight years—they should certainly be proud of that accomplishment.”

Information received from the Minnesota Department of Education’s website: http://education.state.mn.us/mde/index.html and the news article “Schools exemplify sound fiscal policy” written by Nick Hanson—Mankato Free Press