Burned CDs, Nokia brick phones, and playing Snake during class. 📱 Taking it all the way back to 2001!
Who else remembers where they were when this song playlist dropped? 🙋♂️
#TBT #ThrowbackThursday #2001 #Y2KNostalgia #2000sKids #SchoolDays
#BUCpride #BEABuccaneers
Who else remembers where they were when this song playlist dropped? 🙋♂️
#TBT #ThrowbackThursday #2001 #Y2KNostalgia #2000sKids #SchoolDays
#BUCpride #BEABuccaneers
Let's Welcome Ashlyn to BEA!!
Hi, I'm Ashlyn Swenning! I'm from Marshall, Minnesota, and currently work as a CNA/TMA at St. Luke's Care Center, where I care for others and make a difference in my residents' lives.
Volleyball has always been a big part of who I am. I continued my athletic career playing college volleyball at Ridgewater College in Willmar, Minnesota, where I developed a love for teamwork, leadership, and competition that still carries over into my everyday life.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my fiancé Logan and our two dogs Bodey and Blu! We're excited to be getting married in August 2027 and are looking forward to building our future together. As an only child, I value the close relationships I've built with family and friends and appreciate the support system they've given me throughout my life.
Whether I'm caring for others, coaching or playing volleyball, or spending time with the people I love, I strive to bring kindness, dedication, and a positive attitude to everything I do.
Hi, I'm Ashlyn Swenning! I'm from Marshall, Minnesota, and currently work as a CNA/TMA at St. Luke's Care Center, where I care for others and make a difference in my residents' lives.
Volleyball has always been a big part of who I am. I continued my athletic career playing college volleyball at Ridgewater College in Willmar, Minnesota, where I developed a love for teamwork, leadership, and competition that still carries over into my everyday life.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my fiancé Logan and our two dogs Bodey and Blu! We're excited to be getting married in August 2027 and are looking forward to building our future together. As an only child, I value the close relationships I've built with family and friends and appreciate the support system they've given me throughout my life.
Whether I'm caring for others, coaching or playing volleyball, or spending time with the people I love, I strive to bring kindness, dedication, and a positive attitude to everything I do.
Monday, August 17, BEA School Board Meeting
Click this link to watch the livestream of this evening's Blue Earth Area School Board meeting at 6:00:
https://boxcast.tv/view/school-board-meeting-8172026-glarpszowckwqk6ojmcw
Click this link to watch the livestream of this evening's Blue Earth Area School Board meeting at 6:00:
https://boxcast.tv/view/school-board-meeting-8172026-glarpszowckwqk6ojmcw
Platform shoes, corduroy, and zero smartphones in sight. 📼
The 1973-1974 school year hit different. If you didn’t spend your weekends at the local hangout, listening to top 40 radio, or watching The Exorcist in theaters, did you even go to school in the '70s?
What was your go-to outfit back then? Be honest! 😅
#BUCpride #BlueEarth #ThrowbackThursday #1973 #70sVibes #SchoolDays #GoodOldDays
The 1973-1974 school year hit different. If you didn’t spend your weekends at the local hangout, listening to top 40 radio, or watching The Exorcist in theaters, did you even go to school in the '70s?
What was your go-to outfit back then? Be honest! 😅
#BUCpride #BlueEarth #ThrowbackThursday #1973 #70sVibes #SchoolDays #GoodOldDays
We are excited to report that both referendum questions have passed. We look forward to working with the community on the school’s design and important next steps as we update our facilities to serve our students and the community. Thank you for the support!
🎻 Day 1 of Beginning Orchestra Camp: Let the music begin! 🎶
Beginning Orchestra Camp kicked off today, and our newest 5th grade musicians are officially on their way to becoming orchestra pros! They’re getting to know their instruments, learning the basics, and figuring out how to make some beautiful music along the way. (There may have been a few interesting sounds, too! 😉)
Mr. Koenig is leading the way, with BEAHS Orchestra member Caitlyn lending a helping hand and sharing her orchestra expertise. We love seeing our older Bucs helping our newest musicians! 🏴☠️
They’ve got a whole week of learning and practicing ahead, all leading up to a special performance for their families on the final day. We can’t wait to hear what they’ve been working on!
Beginning Orchestra Camp kicked off today, and our newest 5th grade musicians are officially on their way to becoming orchestra pros! They’re getting to know their instruments, learning the basics, and figuring out how to make some beautiful music along the way. (There may have been a few interesting sounds, too! 😉)
Mr. Koenig is leading the way, with BEAHS Orchestra member Caitlyn lending a helping hand and sharing her orchestra expertise. We love seeing our older Bucs helping our newest musicians! 🏴☠️
They’ve got a whole week of learning and practicing ahead, all leading up to a special performance for their families on the final day. We can’t wait to hear what they’ve been working on!
There have been questions regarding the Ag2School Credit. Here’s what is important to understand.
The Ag2School credit is realized when the District sells bonds for facilities projects. There are only certain ways a school district can bond for facility projects, and the primary way is through a voter-approved referendum. The school board has studied and determined that the best path forward is to build a new school. This plan is the most fiscally responsible use of funds. Repairing the existing school systems and infrastructure was not moved forward because of the significant investment needed at the existing building and the result would still be too much of the wrong space to heat, clean, and operate, and school spaces in the wrong places, and accessibility challenges with the amount of elevation changes. This information was also included in the June mailer sent to residents.
So, could a voter-approved renovation access Ag2School funds? Yes. Would the school board move this proposal forward to voters? Highly unlikely, given the study results and research to-date. If the board did move this option forward, would the State of Minnesota give a favorable review and comment for a renovation of the existing Blue Earth Elementary School? Also, highly-unlikely given the same study results and research to-date.
So, we know the best path forward, the most cost-effective solution, that will allow the District to access Ag2School funds is what is being proposed.
The Ag2School credit is realized when the District sells bonds for facilities projects. There are only certain ways a school district can bond for facility projects, and the primary way is through a voter-approved referendum. The school board has studied and determined that the best path forward is to build a new school. This plan is the most fiscally responsible use of funds. Repairing the existing school systems and infrastructure was not moved forward because of the significant investment needed at the existing building and the result would still be too much of the wrong space to heat, clean, and operate, and school spaces in the wrong places, and accessibility challenges with the amount of elevation changes. This information was also included in the June mailer sent to residents.
So, could a voter-approved renovation access Ag2School funds? Yes. Would the school board move this proposal forward to voters? Highly unlikely, given the study results and research to-date. If the board did move this option forward, would the State of Minnesota give a favorable review and comment for a renovation of the existing Blue Earth Elementary School? Also, highly-unlikely given the same study results and research to-date.
So, we know the best path forward, the most cost-effective solution, that will allow the District to access Ag2School funds is what is being proposed.
Don’t forget to vote in person tomorrow for the School Facility Bond Referendum from 7 A.M. – 8 P.M. Click the link below for your polling location. https://www.beaschools.org/page/school-facility-bond-vote
We’ve seen a few questions recently asking why certain district maintenance issues weren't addressed sooner, and we want to share a quick look at how our facility budgeting works! 🏫👇
Every year, our team prioritizes critical repairs based on available funding. To put our facility needs in perspective:
Our District Footprint: 1,119,707 square feet of buildings, parking lots, and athletic fields.
Annual Maintenance Budget: Approximately $350,000.
The Breakdown: That equals roughly $0.31 per square foot per year.
What does that mean in everyday terms? 🏡
For a 2,500-square-foot home, that would be like having an annual maintenance budget of just $775 a year.
While that amount might cover basic upkeep for a little while, it quickly falls short when major expenses hit—like a new roof, water heater, flooring, or major appliances.
We work hard to stretch every dollar to keep our schools safe, functional, and welcoming for our students, and we appreciate your continued support and partnership as we care for our community’s facilities!
Every year, our team prioritizes critical repairs based on available funding. To put our facility needs in perspective:
Our District Footprint: 1,119,707 square feet of buildings, parking lots, and athletic fields.
Annual Maintenance Budget: Approximately $350,000.
The Breakdown: That equals roughly $0.31 per square foot per year.
What does that mean in everyday terms? 🏡
For a 2,500-square-foot home, that would be like having an annual maintenance budget of just $775 a year.
While that amount might cover basic upkeep for a little while, it quickly falls short when major expenses hit—like a new roof, water heater, flooring, or major appliances.
We work hard to stretch every dollar to keep our schools safe, functional, and welcoming for our students, and we appreciate your continued support and partnership as we care for our community’s facilities!
What an incredible week hosting 11 American Exchange Project students in Blue Earth! 🌟
Our visiting students got the ultimate Minnesota experience: hot July weather, lake days, classic fair food, sweet corn, and trips to Niagara Cave, Arnolds Park, and Mall of America. They even jumped into community service with volunteers at HOPE UMC weaving mats made from plastic bags!
While the activities were unforgettable, the real magic was watching strangers become fast friends around the dinner table.
Thank you to all our host families, local businesses, and community members who showed true Minnesota hospitality! We are already looking forward to July 2027! ❤️🙌
#BEABuccaneers #AmericanExchangeProject #CommunityFirst
Our visiting students got the ultimate Minnesota experience: hot July weather, lake days, classic fair food, sweet corn, and trips to Niagara Cave, Arnolds Park, and Mall of America. They even jumped into community service with volunteers at HOPE UMC weaving mats made from plastic bags!
While the activities were unforgettable, the real magic was watching strangers become fast friends around the dinner table.
Thank you to all our host families, local businesses, and community members who showed true Minnesota hospitality! We are already looking forward to July 2027! ❤️🙌
#BEABuccaneers #AmericanExchangeProject #CommunityFirst
Do you know where to vote on Tuesday?
Click this link to get your polling location.
https://www.beaschools.org/page/school-facility-bond-vote
Click this link to get your polling location.
https://www.beaschools.org/page/school-facility-bond-vote
AEP Student Spotlight: Devin!! ✈️🎢
Our next American Exchange Project student is Devin, who traveled out east to Chesapeake, Virginia! 🗺️✨
❤️ His favorite highlights?
Devin loved the excitement of exploring somewhere completely new and taking on the big rides at Busch Gardens amusement park! 🎢🎟️
Welcome home, Devin! There's nothing quite like the thrill of visiting new places and hitting a top-tier theme park.
Swipe through to check out Devin's favorite snapshots from his trip! 👇📸
#AmericanExchangeProject #AEPSpotlight #BlueEarthArea #StudentExchange #ChesapeakeVA #BuschGardens #NewAdventures
Our next American Exchange Project student is Devin, who traveled out east to Chesapeake, Virginia! 🗺️✨
❤️ His favorite highlights?
Devin loved the excitement of exploring somewhere completely new and taking on the big rides at Busch Gardens amusement park! 🎢🎟️
Welcome home, Devin! There's nothing quite like the thrill of visiting new places and hitting a top-tier theme park.
Swipe through to check out Devin's favorite snapshots from his trip! 👇📸
#AmericanExchangeProject #AEPSpotlight #BlueEarthArea #StudentExchange #ChesapeakeVA #BuschGardens #NewAdventures
The year 2011 hit different. If you didn’t spend your weekends watching Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 in 3D, learning the "Super Bass" lyrics, or obsessing over The Hunger Games books, did you even live through 2011?
Drop your favorite memory (or most embarrassing fashion choice) from this year in the comments! 👇
#BEABuccaneers #BUCpride #ThrowbackThursday #2011Nostalgia #PopCulture #BackInTheDay #GoodOldDays
Drop your favorite memory (or most embarrassing fashion choice) from this year in the comments! 👇
#BEABuccaneers #BUCpride #ThrowbackThursday #2011Nostalgia #PopCulture #BackInTheDay #GoodOldDays
Join our Team!
The Fiscal Services Coordinator provides leadership and oversight for the financial operations of the school district. This position is responsible for developing and managing the district's budget, maintaining financial records, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, supervising business office staff, and providing accurate financial reporting to the Superintendent and School Board.
Key responsibilities include overseeing payroll, accounting, purchasing, cash management, audits, investments, insurance programs, negotiations support, capital and long-range financial planning, and required state and federal reporting. The Fiscal Services Coordinator also manages the district's food service program, coordinates school board elections and levy processes, supervises business office personnel, and serves as a financial advisor to district leadership.
The position requires strong leadership, financial management, organizational, and communication skills to ensure the effective stewardship of district resources while supporting the educational mission of the school district.
Candidates for the Fiscal Services Coordinator position should possess the following qualifications:
▪️Minimum of a 4-year degree in Accounting, Finance, and/or Business Administration.
▪️Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience, preferably in a Minnesota school district; or experience in the field of accounting, business management, or school district accounting.
▪️Ability to work with others in a supervisory role, and to effectively delegate.
▪️Strong organizational skills.
▪️Ability to create and deliver public presentations on behalf of the school district.
▪️Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
▪️Willingness to have a flexible work schedule.
▪️Possess sound financial planning characteristics.
Posting closes on August 28, 2026.
Please send cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references with contact information to:
Mandy Fletcher, Superintendent
Blue Earth Area Schools
315 E 6th St
Blue Earth, MN 56013
email: mfletcher@beas.blueearth.k12.mn.us
The Fiscal Services Coordinator provides leadership and oversight for the financial operations of the school district. This position is responsible for developing and managing the district's budget, maintaining financial records, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, supervising business office staff, and providing accurate financial reporting to the Superintendent and School Board.
Key responsibilities include overseeing payroll, accounting, purchasing, cash management, audits, investments, insurance programs, negotiations support, capital and long-range financial planning, and required state and federal reporting. The Fiscal Services Coordinator also manages the district's food service program, coordinates school board elections and levy processes, supervises business office personnel, and serves as a financial advisor to district leadership.
The position requires strong leadership, financial management, organizational, and communication skills to ensure the effective stewardship of district resources while supporting the educational mission of the school district.
Candidates for the Fiscal Services Coordinator position should possess the following qualifications:
▪️Minimum of a 4-year degree in Accounting, Finance, and/or Business Administration.
▪️Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience, preferably in a Minnesota school district; or experience in the field of accounting, business management, or school district accounting.
▪️Ability to work with others in a supervisory role, and to effectively delegate.
▪️Strong organizational skills.
▪️Ability to create and deliver public presentations on behalf of the school district.
▪️Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
▪️Willingness to have a flexible work schedule.
▪️Possess sound financial planning characteristics.
Posting closes on August 28, 2026.
Please send cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references with contact information to:
Mandy Fletcher, Superintendent
Blue Earth Area Schools
315 E 6th St
Blue Earth, MN 56013
email: mfletcher@beas.blueearth.k12.mn.us
We hope your weekend was better than ours! 🪣🧽
We know you've heard us talk a lot about the challenges of maintaining our aging PreK-7 building.
Sometimes it's hard to picture what that really means... so we'll keep showing you.
These photos aren't one-time incidents—they're examples of what our staff works around every time heavy rain rolls through. Water coming through basement tunnel walls. Rain driven between aging brick and window systems. Ceiling tiles stained, soaked, and replaced. Buckets, mops, umbrellas, and temporary fixes.
Our maintenance staff continues to attend to these issues, but even their best efforts have limits. Some problems aren't maintenance problems—they're building-age problems.
We know you've heard us talk a lot about the challenges of maintaining our aging PreK-7 building.
Sometimes it's hard to picture what that really means... so we'll keep showing you.
These photos aren't one-time incidents—they're examples of what our staff works around every time heavy rain rolls through. Water coming through basement tunnel walls. Rain driven between aging brick and window systems. Ceiling tiles stained, soaked, and replaced. Buckets, mops, umbrellas, and temporary fixes.
Our maintenance staff continues to attend to these issues, but even their best efforts have limits. Some problems aren't maintenance problems—they're building-age problems.
We are one week away from the bond referendum vote! Vote in person on August 11th. Click the link below for more information about the bond referendum and where to vote.
https://www.beaschools.org/
https://www.beaschools.org/
American Exchange Project Student Spotlight: Grace! ✈️🏛️
Our next American Exchange Project student is Grace, who spent her trip in Washington, D.C.! 🗺️✨
❤️ Her favorite memory?
"Meeting up in the evening with all the American Exchange Project kids and getting to explore Washington, D.C. together. Every day I was able to connect with new people and form new friendships." 🤝🌇
Welcome home, Grace! There's nothing quite like exploring iconic city sights alongside amazing new friends.
Swipe through to check out Grace's favorite snapshots from her D.C. adventure! 👇📸
#AmericanExchangeProject #BUCpride #AEPSpotlight #BlueEarthArea #StudentExchange #WashingtonDC #LifelongFriendships #BEABuccaneers
Our next American Exchange Project student is Grace, who spent her trip in Washington, D.C.! 🗺️✨
❤️ Her favorite memory?
"Meeting up in the evening with all the American Exchange Project kids and getting to explore Washington, D.C. together. Every day I was able to connect with new people and form new friendships." 🤝🌇
Welcome home, Grace! There's nothing quite like exploring iconic city sights alongside amazing new friends.
Swipe through to check out Grace's favorite snapshots from her D.C. adventure! 👇📸
#AmericanExchangeProject #BUCpride #AEPSpotlight #BlueEarthArea #StudentExchange #WashingtonDC #LifelongFriendships #BEABuccaneers
Today's weather forecast:
🌧️ Outside: Rain
💧 Inside: Also... rain?
We never expected "strategically placed umbrella" to become standard office décor. ☔😄
When you've got multiple leaks in the Community Ed office & bathroom, the K-7 office, hallways, and around windows, creativity becomes part of the maintenance plan. Our maintenance staff works tirelessly to keep our aging building safe and functional, but with leaks popping up faster than they can be repaired, temporary fixes have become an all-too-familiar sight. Our team keeps patching, repairing, and responding—but some challenges are simply a sign of an aging building. Sometimes a patch is just that—a patch.
🌧️ Outside: Rain
💧 Inside: Also... rain?
We never expected "strategically placed umbrella" to become standard office décor. ☔😄
When you've got multiple leaks in the Community Ed office & bathroom, the K-7 office, hallways, and around windows, creativity becomes part of the maintenance plan. Our maintenance staff works tirelessly to keep our aging building safe and functional, but with leaks popping up faster than they can be repaired, temporary fixes have become an all-too-familiar sight. Our team keeps patching, repairing, and responding—but some challenges are simply a sign of an aging building. Sometimes a patch is just that—a patch.
Join our Team!
Blue Earth Area High School is looking for a passionate High School Spanish Teacher for the 2026–2027 school year! If you're ready to inspire students, build meaningful connections, and make a difference every day, we'd love to hear from you.
Located in Blue Earth, Minnesota at the junction of Interstate 90 and US Highway 169, the Blue Earth Area School District ISD 2860 serves the Southern Minnesota communities of Blue Earth, Frost, Winnebago, Delavan, and Elmore. The district’s mission is to invest in students so they succeed and excel in an ever-changing world.
Check out: www.beaschools.org
Blue Earth Area High School is looking for a passionate High School Spanish Teacher for the 2026–2027 school year! If you're ready to inspire students, build meaningful connections, and make a difference every day, we'd love to hear from you.
Located in Blue Earth, Minnesota at the junction of Interstate 90 and US Highway 169, the Blue Earth Area School District ISD 2860 serves the Southern Minnesota communities of Blue Earth, Frost, Winnebago, Delavan, and Elmore. The district’s mission is to invest in students so they succeed and excel in an ever-changing world.
Check out: www.beaschools.org
