Raider Families and Staff,

I hope everyone had a great spring break and that your first week back went smoothly. It’s hard to believe we’re already down to the final 10 weeks of the school year. There’s still important work ahead, and I’m confident we’ll finish the year strong together.

In today’s update, you’ll find a message regarding my recent decision, an overview of the superintendent search and board appointment processes, a reminder about upcoming community collaboration events, and a look ahead at key dates and events on the calendar.

Thank you Hastings - 

Please know that my recent decision to join Owatonna Public Schools comes with mixed emotions. I will be forever grateful for the trust, support, and opportunities I’ve been given here in Hastings, and this community will always hold a special place in my heart.

Although I’ve only been with the district for two years, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together—from the redesign of the middle school to expanded business partnerships, strategic grants, and new curriculum initiatives. We’ve strengthened professional development, celebrated our staff in meaningful ways, and found new ways to share our story with the broader public.

None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of the Hastings community. Your commitment to our schools—through partnerships, feedback, encouragement, and a shared belief in our mission—has made a lasting impact. I have felt genuinely welcomed, supported, and inspired by the collective spirit of this community, and for that, I am deeply grateful.

It has been a true honor to work alongside the most incredible staff. The passion, dedication, and tireless commitment to meet the needs of each and every student has served as a daily inspiration. 

FInally, the students of Hastings are truly the heart of this district.  Their curiosity, resilience, and energy are daily reminders of the importance of this work. 

With that said, we still have several important months ahead, and I can assure you that my drive, energy, and passion will remain unwavering through my final day in June.

Superintendent Search 

The Hastings School Board will partner with the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) to lead the search for the next superintendent. The overall process, along with the desired leadership qualities for the district’s next superintendent, will be discussed during an open meeting on Thursday, April 3 at 4:00 p.m. in the Middle School Media Center.

Board Member Appointment Process

A huge thank you to all community members who expressed interest in serving in this important temporary role. The school board selected 7 candidates to continue with interviews which are open to the public with the following schedule:

3/31  6PM Board Vacancy Candidate Interviews - MS Media Center

4/02 6PM Board Vacancy Candidate Interviews - MS Media Center

Community Collaboration Events

Please mark your calendars to join us for the upcoming community collaboration events. All events will begin at 6pm in the lecture hall at the high school. The full flyer is also included below.

April 8: Strategic Plan

April 15: 25-26 Budget Adjustments

April 22: Deep Dive into the District’s Strategic Anchors

Calendar Reminders

• Upcoming calendar reminders:

  • April 18: No School

  • April 21: No School, Staff Development, Staff Appreciation

• 24-25 School Calendar in its entirety

• 25-26 School Calendar

Raider Events

• Raider Athletic Calendar

• Raider Events Calendar  

As always, thank you for your ongoing support of Hastings Public Schools. If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

Sincerely,

Dr. Tamara Champa
Superintendent, Hastings Public Schools

At the heart of our school community are the paraprofessionals—dedicated individuals who play a crucial role in helping our students achieve their goals, overcome challenges, and reach their fullest potential. This month, we’re thrilled to celebrate one such outstanding team member: Ms. Kailyn Gernes, a paraprofessional at Pinecrest Elementary.

For the past three years, Kailyn has been a vital part of our Pinecrest family. Her passion for supporting students goes far beyond the classroom, as she works tirelessly to help them thrive.

Kailyn shares, "Watching our students succeed is the best part of my job! No goal is too small, and when our students reach those goals, it's incredible to celebrate with them. Positive feedback and reinforcement are what keep us all going. Being able to motivate and encourage excellence, while helping create a safe and supportive environment for our students, is what drives me every day."

A proud graduate of Hastings High School, Kailyn grew up in the community she now serves. She reflects fondly on the incredible teachers she had as a student and is deeply honored to now work alongside them. "My co-workers inspire me with their innovative ideas and their unwavering dedication," Kailyn says.

In addition to her role as a paraprofessional, Kailyn also coaches the Middle School volleyball team, where she brings the same dedication to fostering student success both on and off the court.

Outside of school, Kailyn enjoys playing volleyball, attending concerts, spending quality time with her family, and soaking up the outdoors.

Kailyn is deeply inspired by her hardworking parents, and it's clear that she, in turn, inspires the students she works with every single day. Kailyn, thank you for everything you do to make Pinecrest Elementary a better place! We are grateful for your passion, commitment, and the positive impact you have on so many.

We’re excited to invite your organization to participate in the Mobile Polar Plunge to support Minnesota Special Olympics and Unified Champion Schools at Hastings Public Schools! This event promotes inclusivity and brings students with and without intellectual disabilities together through fun athletic activities and social clubs.

When: Friday, April 25th

Where: Hastings High School

Schedule: Pep rally at 9:25 AM, plunging to follow (exact times to be sent closer to the event).

You can register as a team or individually at this link: https://www.plungemn.org/.../hastings-high-school-cool.../

Not ready to take the plunge? Consider donating to the cause or contributing prizes for student participants. Any support is greatly appreciated!