Raider Families and Staff,
As we begin a new week and inch closer to the end of the school year, I’m excited to share the latest updates and celebrations from across our district. In this edition of the Raider Update, you’ll find final details on the Minnesota Student Survey, an update on the superintendent search and candidates, and well-deserved recognition for our principals, lunch heroes, communications director, and teachers as we celebrate their important contributions. You’ll also find a few important dates to keep on your radar as we head into the final stretch of the year.
Minnesota Student Survey
The Minnesota Student Survey will be given as follows:
High School Grades 9 and 11: May 5th - detailed information has been sent by the building
Middle School Grades 5 and 8: May 19th - detailed information has been sent by the building
The surveys and the opt-out are available for your review here. For more information, please visit the Minnesota Department of Education website, linked here.
Superintendent Search
The school board has scheduled interviews for the selected semi-finalists beginning at 8:00 am on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. The semi-finalists were selected from a pool of 25 applicants based on criteria established by the school board.
All round 1 interviews will be held at the District Office conference room (1000 West 11th Street in Hastings) and are open to the public. To ensure a level playing field for all candidates the interviews will not be livestreamed or recorded.
Selected candidates interviewing on May 6th include:
Dr. Daniel Edwards, Executive Director of Academic Services, Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools, MN
Dr. Jeffrey Fleig, Superintendent, Fond du Lac School District, WI
Dr. Kristine Wehrkamp Herman, Superintendent, Royalton Public Schools, MN
Theodore Ihns, Superintendent, Kasson-Mantorville Schools, MN
Dr. Michael Neubeck, Superintendent, Byron Public Schools, MN
Finalist interviews will be held in the district office on May 13 at 2PM
Celebrating Our Incredible Staff
While we celebrate our staff each and every day, designated recognition days and weeks give us the special opportunity to honor several key members of our school community. Last week, we celebrated School Lunch Hero Day and Principal Appreciation Day, recognizing their dedication, heart, and determination to positively impact our students each day. This week, we proudly extend our appreciation to our teachers, to our school nurses, and our school communication director, Kari Gorr. Whether it’s through inspiring instruction, clear and timely communication, or compassionate care, these professionals play an essential role in supporting the well-being and success of our students. Thank you to each of you for your tireless commitment to our schools and families—you truly make a difference every day.
Calendar Reminders
Upcoming calendar reminders:
May 26: No School - HOLIDAY
June 5: Last Day of School for the 24-25 school year
June 6: Graduation
Raider Events
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
