Hopkins School Board Members Brainstorm for the Future

Trust. Challenging. Exciting. Growth. These were the words that members of the Hopkins School Board used to describe the future of Hopkins Public Schools at their school board meeting Thursday night.

After their organizational meeting, board members gathered for their first workshop about the school district’s strategic plan. Superintendent John Schultz addressed the group, talking about his visions for the future of Hopkins Public Schools.

“This strategic plan is going to be about the children,” Schultz said. “Excellence is embedded in the culture of the district and it is something that we need to continue to promote.”

Schultz discussed his thoughts about the focus on test scores, and how in the 21st century, educators should be focusing on creativity and innovation. “If we just focus on test scores, it’s going to confine our teachers’ practice,” he said. “Our vision has to be about what we do for kids and what they’re going to need going into the 21st century.”

Director Irma McIntosh Coleman praised Schultz for sharing his hopes for Hopkins Public Schools. “I have been asking for this for five years,” McIntosh Coleman said. “It’s wonderful for you share this vision.”

After Schultz’s presentation, board members broke out into group to discuss broader topics using the World Cafe method.  Two to three board members gathered at tables and conducted progressive rounds of conversations regarding topics that were predesigned by the superintendent.

The next school board workshop will be held Sept. 6.