Issues

The Hopkins School District faces major challenges. During the 2023–2024 school year alone, more than 2,200 Hopkins students open-enrolled to other districts, a striking number that raises questions about why families are leaving and what can be done to rebuild trust.

We do not blame teachers for the district’s struggles. Our talented educators work hard every day to support their students. The core issues we’re facing are the result of decisions made by district leadership.

Here’s a breakdown of the issues:

1. Academic Growth and Proficiency Are Falling Behind

Academic proficiency scores in Hopkins have dropped a lot since 2017, across all demographic groups. Scores are falling for students of color, white students, English learners, and students from low-resourced families. The demographic make-up of the student body has stayed the same during this time.

Sources:
Minnesota Report Card
Minnesota Statewide Assessments Subscore Report

2. Financial Stability

The district is grappling with ongoing budget shortfalls. Since 2016, classroom spending has increased by just 29%, which hasn’t kept pace with inflation. At the same time, spending on district-level administration has surged by +224%. Hopkins now spends more on administration than surrounding districts, both overall and as a percentage of general fund expenditures.

Source: Minnesota Department of Education; View full funding analyses here and here.

3. Concerns About Bullying and the Classroom Environment

Physical altercations and bullying in schools, both documented and undocumented (including students in protected classes), have increased in recent years. The Minnesota Report Card’s Student Survey reflects a troubling decline in students’ sense of safety at school. Students in the LGBTQ+ community have raised concerns about lack of access to gender-neutral bathrooms at the high school for years.

HSA supports strong, healthy partnerships between schools, local law enforcement, and EMS partners. We also believe in clear, consistent, and appropriate consequences for students who violate behavior or bullying/harassment policies. We also advocate for strategies that protect students’ well-being without compromising their right to a safe and supportive learning environment.