Dear Hopkins Families,
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving break and that your transition back to your regular routines has been smooth. For me, the holiday provided time to reflect, enjoy family, and also complete some important work.
I’m reaching out to share some news about a recent development in my professional journey. Serving as Superintendent of Hopkins Public Schools has been the greatest honor of my life. Together, we’ve worked on transformative initiatives to reimagine the public school experience, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and partnership of this incredible community.
Now in my eighth year as Superintendent, with one year remaining on my current contract, I remain fully committed to the work ahead. At the same time, I am also exploring a new opportunity that could hold personal and professional significance.
I’ve been named one of three finalists for the Superintendent position at Saint Paul Public Schools. Saint Paul is where my career in education began—as a middle school social studies teacher. That role sparked the passion for public education that eventually brought me to Hopkins.
As part of the process, I will participate in additional interviews in mid-December. Saint Paul Public Schools aims to make a decision before winter break. If I am offered the position, I will remain fully dedicated to Hopkins as close to the end of the school year as is allowed. If I am not selected, I will continue to serve as your Superintendent in a job I love.
I understand this news may bring mixed emotions—it certainly does for me. When we work and grow together in a community like Hopkins, our relationships go beyond professional connections. One thing I know for certain is that our collective strength as a district is not about any one individual or role—it’s about us, working together to ensure meaningful learning for students. That will not change, no matter what happens.
For now, my focus remains on the present and our shared commitment to providing exceptional education and support for every student. I am deeply grateful for the trust you place in me and in Hopkins Public Schools. I will keep you informed as I know more in the weeks ahead.
Thank you for your continued partnership and understanding.
Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed
Superintendent of Hopkins