Washington Elementary Named MESPA School of Excellence
South Central Service Cooperative (SCSC) is proud to recognize Washington Elementary School in Mankato Area Public Schools for being named a 2025 Minnesota School of Excellence by the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association (MESPA). Washington is one of just 13 schools statewide to receive this prestigious honor.
Washington Elementary Principal Ann Haggerty said being selected is a reflection of the strong, student-centered culture that defines the school community.
“I get to be the principal at Washington Elementary in Mankato,” Haggerty said. “It’s really the work that teachers do, and families do, and the hard work that students bring every day that got us to this place. I get to lead that place, and that is very exciting and it’s an honor.”
MESPA Executive Director Michelle Krell visited Washington this week to present the award and celebrate alongside students, staff, and community leaders. Krell shared that the school’s energy, engagement, and commitment to students were immediately evident.
“Washington has a very close-knit community of kids. There was so much energy and excitement,” Krell said. “You can see the work that’s being done is not only filtering from the staff to the students but to the entire community.”
Mankato Mayor Najwa Massad congratulated students during the celebration, emphasizing the pride they have brought to the city.
“Washington Wildcats, you have made the city of Mankato proud,” she told the student body.
Mankato Area Public Schools Superintendent Paul Peterson echoed that praise.
“There are hundreds of schools just like Washington all across Minnesota. And yet, this award only went to a handful of schools, which tells you how hard you’ve been working and how great your staff is,” Peterson said.
The MESPA School of Excellence award recognizes schools that demonstrate high-quality leadership, strong school culture, and continuous improvement efforts that lead to positive outcomes for students. Krell noted that Washington’s dedication to students is clearly woven into its daily practice.
“Washington is definitely a community of learners that works hard, has high expectations and goals for each other,” Krell said. “They have everything in place to continuously improve and meet the needs of their students.”
As a member district of South Central Service Cooperative, Mankato Area Public Schools’ achievement highlights the ongoing commitment across the region to excellence in teaching, learning, and student support.
Congratulations to Principal Haggerty, the Washington Elementary staff, students, and families on this outstanding recognition!
Source
Portions of this article were adapted from reporting by The Mankato Free Press, November 13, 2025.