Superintendent's Column
January 2008 Legislative Advocacy
By John Schultz, Ph.D., Superintendent
As we head into February, the arctic air is settling in over a fresh coating of snow, redefining a true Minnesota winter. And while my daughters have their indoor toys and activities, they continue to find time (and the wherewithal) to skate, sled, roll in the snow, and discover large icicles that beg to be knocked down in these cold temperatures.
If only that was what February defined for school administrators. For school leadership, however, it is the season in which we begin our partnerships with state legislators. As you know, the work of the legislature is demanding, complex, and it intrigues many constituents, regardless of which side of the fence they find themselves.
This work is grounded through strong relationships with the 12 legislators (5 senators and 7 representatives) who serve the communities of the Hopkins School District. Throughout the past months, I have met individually with district legislators, each of whom takes his or her role and responsibility to represent Hopkins Public Schools—and E–12 education—quite seriously. Summarized below is what I learned through these conversations:
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Legislators are concerned about the quality of education being delivered, and continually seek collaborative solutions to educational issues.
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Their job is challenged by the myriad and often competing demands on the public systems they legislate.
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Legislators—individually and collectively—work diligently at balancing the demands to ensure that the public services provided are accessible, timely, and rigorous.
It is important to remember, however, that legislators represent numerous constituents and causes; it is therefore crucial that we advocate on behalf of education and E-12 learners, in as many ways as possible.
The Legislative Action Coalition (LAC)—the key word here is A-C-T-I-O-N—is one of the most pivotal in that this group works with the Hopkins School Board to advocate education–related legislative action. The LAC Steering Committee coordinates action throughout the district by developing and proposing legislative positions designed to advance the cause of good schools in Hopkins and Minnesota. The LAC Steering Committee and the Legislative Action Coalition Committee are governed by policy and their actions are subject to Hopkins School Board approval. The LAC is very action–oriented, indeed, and continually seeks involvement from district constituents—staff, parents, non–parents, members of the business community, faith community, etc. Information about the LAC can be found at
http://www.hopkins.k12.mn.us/pages/district/commun/legislative.html.
This partnership is truly one of the most exciting and dynamic in the district, and exemplifies the process of representation that is crucial for our democracy. I encourage you to consider partnering with the LAC. Additional information is available by visiting its website.
As superintendent, I participate in legislative activities organized through the Association of Metropolitan School Districts (AMSD) and the Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA). These organizations are comprised of school board directors and superintendents from member districts. Legislative platforms for the 2008 session include funding; establishing a quality vision for education; providing support for schools’ infrastructure; a reduction of mandates; and the preservation of local control. The plank of local control advocates for more decision–making at the board level, rather than at the state or federal levels.
In the past, public education in Minnesota was recognized as one of the best in the nation; unfortunately, it no longer ranks among the top 10. Depending on which website one visits, it may be 13th . . . it may be 22nd; nonetheless, it is no longer ranked as highly as we would like. While the state continues to be blessed with a core of talented educational professionals who strive to meet the high standards established by school boards and the state Legislature, funding has become more prohibitive with each new year due to the numerous and conflicting priorities faced by lawmakers, and in a time of dwindling resources. As we teach our children, it is important that we do the best we can with what we have.
Thus, we will continue to have high expectations for students in Hopkins, knowing that these expectations are deliberated and decided upon through partnerships between the state Legislature and the Hopkins School Board; the board and administrators; the administrators and teachers; teacher and parents; parents and students; and students and teachers. As we work together to strengthen these partnerships, it ensures an exchange of accurate and relevant information and ideas to decision–makers
I have confidence that our legislators will face the challenges and opportunities of the 2008 session, and more specifically, in public education, and will make decisions that have a positive impact on the students in the Hopkins School District as well as the state of Minnesota. Serving as a legislator is a difficult, time–consuming, and at many times, thankless job. I am most thankful that there are people who not only want to serve in this capacity, but do it well. Thank you to those state representatives and state senators who so eloquently and tirelessly work to address the needs of our learners in the Hopkins School District.
Elementary Schools
Alice Smith Elementary School
801 Minnetonka Mills Road,
Hopkins, MN 55343
952-988-4200
Fax: 952-988-4195
Jody De St. Hubert, principal
Eisenhower Elementary School
1001 Highway 7
Hopkins, MN 55305
952-988-4300
Fax: 952-988-4314
Rosemary Lawrence, Ed.D., principal
Gatewood Elementary School
14900 Gatewood Drive,
Minnetonka, MN 55345
952-988-5250
Fax. 952-988-5276
Donna Montgomery, principal
Glen Lake Elementary School
4801 Woodridge Road,
Minnetonka, MN 55345
952-988-5200
Fax; 952-988-5199
Beth Potter, principal
L.H. Tanglen Elementary School
10901 Hillside Lane,
Minnetonka, MN 55305
952-988-4900
Fax. 952-988-487I
Gail Lewis-Miller, principal
Meadowbrook Elementary School
5430 Glenwood Avenue,
Golden Valley, MN 55422
952-988-5100
Fax: 952-988-5115
Jason Scherber, principal
Junior High Schools
Hopkins North Junior High
1000 Cedar Lake Road,
Minnetonka, MN 55305
952-988-4800
Fax: 952-988-4869
Patrice "Pat" Schmidt, Ed.D., principal
Hopkins West Junior High
3830 Baker Road,
Minnetonka, MN 55305
952-988-4400
Fax: 952-988-4477
Terry Wolfson, principal
High Schools
Hopkins High School
2400 Lindbergh Drive,
Minnetonka, MN 55305
952-988-4500
Fax: 952-988-4716
Willie Jett; principal
Title |
Name |
Phone |
Superintendent of Schools |
Dr. John W. Schultz, Ph.D. |
952-988-4021 |
Guidance Services |
Ms. Jan Ormasa |
952-988-4040 |
Special Education Services |
Ms. Jan Ormasa |
952-988-4041 |
Assistant Superintendent |
Mr. Nik Lightfoot, Ed.D. |
952-988-4028 |
Public Relations Director |
Ms. Eileen Harvala |
952-988-4024 |
Gifted and Talented Director |
Ms. Susan Anderson |
952-988-4052 |
Director of Teaching, Learning and Technology |
Mr. Sid Voss |
952-988-4103 |
High School Guidance |
Ms. Jean Davidson |
952-988-4529 |
High School Special Ed. |
Ms. Rita DeWane |
952-988-4482 |
High School Fine Arts |
Mr. Mark Czech |
952-988-4609 |
High School Athletics |
Mr. Dan Johnson |
952-988-4692 |
High School Information |
Mr. Willie Jett |
952-988-4500 |
High School Gifted/Talented |
Ms. Susan Anderson |
952-988-4052 |
High School Computer Ed. |
Mr. Rob Fuhr |
952-988-4632 |
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