MANKATO — As filings open for non-primary races, the race for Mankato School Board is picking up familiar faces.
Both Patrick Baker and Kari Pratt announced on Tuesday that they would be seeking reelection to the Mankato Area Public Schools Board.
“Four years ago, I ran because I believed great schools make great communities. I believe that even more strongly today,” Baker said in a press release. “Mankato raised me, Mankato Area Public Schools educated me, my wife teaches in our schools, and our two daughters now attend them. Serving on the school board has been an honor, and I am asking voters for the opportunity to continue giving back to the community that has given my family so much.”
In that release, Baker outlined his goals for the next four years if he were to be reelected, which include the current redesign of the middle- and high school experience, establishing a “responsible approach to classroom technology,” strengthening teachers and protecting the long-term finances of the district.
Both candidates are nearing the end of their first elected four-year terms.
Pratt, of Mankato, is a former teacher at Mankato Area Public Schools where she worked for 13 years.
She resigned from MAPS at the end of the 2021-22 school year, intending to run for the School Board. She has told the Free Press part of her reason for wanting to be on the board includes thinking that a teacher’s voice is needed.
As of 6 p.m. on Tuesday, no other candidates were listed on the Secretary of State’s website and the Mankato Area Public School District did not respond to The Free Press’ request for comment on any other filers. Current School Board Chair Shannon Sinning previously announced he will not seek reelection for another term.