About Hopkins Schools Advocates

Hopkins Schools Advocates (HSA) is a grassroots, community-led group working to strengthen Hopkins Public Schools (ISD 270) through informed advocacy, increased transparency, and meaningful engagement. We are parents, caregivers, educators, and community members who want to see our schools succeed—not just for some students, but for all.

We formed HSA because we believe in the promise of public education and the potential of Hopkins students. Our focus is on outcomes that matter: academic growth/proficiency, enrollment, and safe/supportive learning environments.

We are local, non-partisan, and unaffiliated with outside organizations. Our mission is grounded in facts, guided by our values, and driven by a desire to support our local public school district.

Our Vision

Every student in Hopkins Public Schools will have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Our Mission

To partner with school board members and district leaders to advocate for evidence-based practices that improve student outcomes and the learning environment.

Our Goals

• Raise student growth and academic achievement across all grades and demographic groups.

• Improve the learning environment in every school.

• Reduce the number of Hopkins families choosing to enroll elsewhere.

What We Value

• Support for Teachers: We deeply respect the dedication and talent of Hopkins educators. Our concerns are directed at system-level leadership, not teachers and support staff.

• Inclusion: All students—regardless of race, sex, gender identity, class, or disability status—should feel safe and able to be their authentic selves at school. HSA values all learners, including those who are neurodiverse.

• Data-Driven Decisions: We focus on objective, transparent data. As Minnesota Education Commissioner Willie Jett has said, “We will not shy away from what the data are telling us.”

• Reliable and Objective Measures: We believe student achievement should be measured by objective tools such as the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs), FastBridge results (when available), graduation rates, and college entrance exam scores.

• Evidence-Based Practices: Curriculum and instruction, classroom management, and school safety policies should be rooted in strategies proven to work—not trends.

• Open Dialogue: We value respectful, honest communication with district leaders and believe accountability and collaboration can coexist.

HSA is committed to improving Hopkins schools by building stronger partnerships, asking the hard questions, and putting students and educators first.