By Tanner Kent

Free Press Staff Writer

MANKATO — The Mankato Area School Board meeting Dec. 4 was wholly unremarkable.

On the agenda were some informational reports on Bridges Elementary and the district’s Truth-in-Taxation data. The most important action item was approving the district’s school calendar for 2008-09.

But after a report from West Principal Bruce Borchers on the status of Professional Learning Communities, Supt. Ed Waltman made a few comments. He praised teachers and staff for their development and mentioned that even he was in a PLC.

To that, board chair Ann Hendricks slyly responded, “And that’s necessary.”

The board members laughed. The superintendent laughed. Even Hendricks laughed before concluding her playful ribbing with a compliment for Borchers and his PLC team.

The most veteran of the seven-member board and a retired special education teacher, Hendricks has served more than 11 years and is a good example of why the Minnesota School Boards Association has named this School Board Recognition Week.

Hendricks works long hours on the board and never misses meetings. When she talks, people listen. Her opinions are highly regarded. And her knowledge of the school district is unquestioned.

For complete story, see the JSpear 2/20/08 day, date, print edition of The Free Press or sign onto our e-edition.

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