We as board members took an oath to uphold both state and federal laws — and when they are in direct conflict with one another, that’s a tough spot to be in.”

School Board Chair Carrie Tate

The Hastings School Board is hitting pause on its decision to renew membership with the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) for the 2025–26 school year, opting to wait and see how a newly filed lawsuit against the League plays out.
During its regular meeting on Thursday, May 22, the board unanimously agreed to defer the annual vote until its July meeting. The delay comes in response to a federal lawsuit filed earlier that same week alleging that the MSHSL is violating Title IX by allowing biological males to participate in girls' sports. The lawsuit also names the Minnesota Department of Education and several school districts, including Farmington, Anoka-Hennepin, and Osseo.
“We are ultimately between a rock and a hard place right now,” said School Board Chair Carrie Tate. “We as board members took an oath to uphold both state and federal laws — and when they are in direct conflict with one another, that’s a tough spot to be in.”
Tate said she only learned of the lawsuit a day prior to the meeting and requested that the vote be postponed to allow the board time to assess potential legal liability.
“If we vote to participate in the Minnesota State High School League, we are agreeing to abide by all of their rules — and those rules are currently the subject of a legal challenge,” she said. “I’d like to see how the lawsuit shakes out before we commit.”
According to Superintendent Dr. Tammy Champa, the district has until July 31 to renew its membership. That timeline gives the board enough flexibility to wait until its July 23 meeting before making a final decision.
The board’s concerns were underscored by quotes shared at the meeting from both MSHSL Executive Director Eric Martens and Hastings High School Activities Director Trent Hanson.
Martens acknowledged the legal situation, stating, “The Minnesota State High School League, like member schools, is subject to lawsuits… This is a unique situation with state and federal law in conflict.”
Hanson, meanwhile, stressed the importance of remaining in the League, saying, “Retaining Minnesota State High School League membership is simply a must for us to remain in alignment with all of the conference, section, and region schools we compete with across the state.”
Board members expressed a desire to be cautious without signaling an intention to withdraw from the League.
“I have no intention of doing that,” Tate said of a potential exit. “I don’t want to risk our student involvement in sports and activities. I just want to understand the legal liability associated with this decision.”
Board Member Matt Bruns agreed with the cautious approach but added that the district should understand all possible outcomes.
“Even if our intention is to stay, we need to understand what the ramifications would be if we ever had to leave,” Bruns said.
Elaine Mikel-Mulder also noted that as a member of the nonprofit League, Hastings may have more options than simply accepting the current policies or withdrawing.
“We can voice our concerns and work with other districts who are in the same position,” she said. “There may be ways to engage constructively within the organization.”
Board Member Mark Zuzek recommended that incoming Superintendent Dr. Kristine Wehrkamp Herman be kept up to date on the situation.

In other business:
Superintendent Contract - The board ratified the contract with Wehrkamp Herman, who will take over July 1 as superintendent, replacing Champa, who was hired as superintendent in Owatonna. Herman is currently the superintendent of Royalton Public Schools.
In a statement on the hiring earlier this month, the district announced, “Dr. Wehrkamp Herman has demonstrated that she not only meets but exceeds the hiring criteria established by our board. As the new leader of Hastings Public Schools, she will be able to build on past work and successes, and she is committed to moving the district forward. We are excited to welcome Kristine to our district and for this next chapter to begin,” said Carrie Tate, Hastings School Board Chair.
Dr. Wehrkamp Herman added, “It is an honor to be selected as the next
superintendent of Hastings Public Schools. I am committed to working in partnership with our staff, families, students, and community. Hastings has a strong reputation for excellence and community pride, and I’m excited to build on that foundation as we work together to support the successful outcomes of every student.”
The three year contract calls for pay of $200,000 in the 2025-26 school year, $204,000 in the 2026-27 school year, and $208,080 in the 2027-28 school year.