There’s something truly special about the first week of school - the excitement in the hallways, the smiles on students’ faces, and the sense of new beginnings that fills the air. This week, we had the joy of welcoming back all of our Blue Earth Area K-12 students, and we could not be happier to see them return. Our schools feel whole again when our kids are back, learning, growing, and reconnecting with friends and teachers.
Over the summer, a lot of positive changes took place to make BEA even better for our students and families. One of the big updates you’ll notice this year is our move to a biometric system for breakfast and lunch. This new tool will help our meal lines run more smoothly and make things easier for both students and staff. We also updated our transportation routing system, which will help our buses run more efficiently. These improvements might happen behind the scenes, but they make a real difference in the day-to-day experience of school.
We are also thrilled to share some exciting news…our district has grown! This year, BEA welcomed a net increase of 40 students across K-12. Seeing so many new faces in our classrooms and hallways brings energy and optimism, and we’re so glad families continue to choose Blue Earth Area Schools.
As we look ahead, one of our top priorities will be addressing the facility needs of our K–7 building. This building has stood proudly in our community for nearly a century, and while it holds many wonderful memories, it also has growing challenges that need our attention. We will continue the important work of bringing awareness to these needs and planning for the future.
Finally, I want to celebrate our staff - both those who are returning and those who are new to the BEA family. Their dedication and passion for serving our students is what makes this district such a special place. Together, we are ready to make the 2025-26 school year one filled with learning, growth, and great memories.
Here’s to a wonderful year ahead for all of us at BEA!
Sincerely,
Mandy Fletcher, Superintendent
BEA Schools