Educator. Parent. Business Owner. Community Member.
Kari has been a math teacher in Mankato for the past 13 years. During that time, she taught at East Junior High, worked in all K-12 buildings as the ISD 77 Math Instructional Coach, and then taught at Prairie Winds Middle School. She resigned after the 2021-22 school year because she felt she could better serve the community using her expertise and talents in other educational capacities, including the school board. Prior to receiving her Masters of Education to become a teacher, Kari used her Business/Finance degree to work in both the corporate and non-profit sectors.
Kari and her husband, Bryan, have two children in the Mankato district, although if you ask her, she would say she has "hundreds of kids in Mankato." Her oldest is an 8th grader at Dakota Meadows Middle School, and her youngest is in 5th grade at Bridges Community School. Kari and her family keep busy with outdoor adventures, travel, and lots of soccer games. When home, Kari can be found reading a book or working on her business, In Stitches, creating Memory quilts and baby bibs.
Accountability. Open Communication. Finding Solutions.
To build trust with our families, community, and staff, we need to have open and honest conversations about everything happening in our district. We need to
listen to other viewpoints
understand cultural differences
find solutions to build a stronger, safer, and more cohesive district.
Instructional Resources. Manageable Class Sizes. Sufficient Time.
Teachers have the most impact on student success in school. We need to support teachers by providing them with resources for effective teaching, manageable class sizes to ensure student success, and support with student behaviors. In addition, teachers need sufficient time to plan, reflect, assess, and communicate with families.
Safe School Environment. Equity. Family Support. Responsible Technology Use.
Every student deserves to learn something new every day. Our teachers strive to reach that goal, but it is often hindered by unwanted student behaviors that disrupt the learning environment. We need to create and maintain a safe learning space for ALL students, updating our current practices to reflect the needs of our learners in a post-pandemic environment. Accountability for behaviors, consequences, and restorative practices are needed to support a safe learning environment.
To increase equity in our district, we need to offer schools, students, and families resources and support to ensure post-graduation preparedness for all. This looks different for all students, and we need to listen to students and families to address these needs appropriately.
The academic environment has changed dramatically with the introduction of cell phones, social media, and online gaming. Addiction to these devices is a real problem in our schools, and we need to work with staff, students, and families to find solutions so students are able to focus on learning.