Humphrey thanks Champa

Thank you for your tireless advocacy and strength to be at the front of difficult conversations and wanting to create change for the better.”

American Indian Education Program Director Keenan Humphrey

I am the one who has all the privilege. To lead with this team has been nothing short of amazing.”

Superintendent Dr. Tammy Champa.

At the second annual Native Graduate Honoring Ceremony held in May, five students were recognized for their achievement in graduating. At that same time, American Indian Education Program Director Keenan Humphrey took a moment to recognize Superintendent Dr. Tammy Champa.
“Thank you for your tireless advocacy and strength to be at the front of difficult conversations and wanting to create change for the better,” said Humphrey.
“It’s truly our graduates and all of you that we are here to celebrate, but my heart is touched,” said Champa.
A month later, at the 39th annual employee retirement and recognition event for Hastings Public Schools, teachers, staff and community members alike were recognized for all they do for the students of the district.
Not once, but twice at the event, attendees stood to recognize all that Champa has done for the district.
First, by President of Education MN-Hastings, Lori Best: “In the two years you have served as our superintendent, you have made a difference and you have had an impact. Your work ethic is unparalleled and you have challenged each of us to be better each and every day.”
Then by Community Education Director Kari Gorr: “Again and again, Tammy puts students at the heart of every decision, not what’s easy, not what’s most popular, but what’s right. That clarity of purpose and unwavering integrity has shaped a culture rooted in trust, accountability and continuous growth.”
Champa decried the recognition: “No one should ever have two standing ovations. I am the one who has all the privilege. To lead with this team has been nothing short of amazing.”
Examples like these are not isolated. Over the past two years, there have been few events across the district that have not been attended by or taken a moment to recognize Champa and the tireless work she has done for the district.
Part of that work, and one the main ways residents may have heard from Champa is through the weekly Raider Updates that have detailed the happenings in the district big and small.
From her first update on July 14, 2023, Champa introduced herself promising that “students will undoubtedly be at the heart of all that I do,” before going on to discuss the then-upcoming technology levy, changes to the district’s bussing and the school supplies lists across ISD 200’s schools.
In her final Raider Update Champa took a moment to thank the community:
“As I prepare to transition from Hastings at the end of June, I want to extend my deepest thanks for the incredible support I’ve received over the past two years. It has truly been an honor to serve this community.
“To our staff, students, and families—you are second to none. Your passion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to one another make Hastings a truly special place. I will always be grateful for the relationships, the shared accomplishments, and the opportunity to be part of this chapter in the district’s story.
“While my role is changing, my support for Hastings remains steadfast. I will forever be one of your biggest cheerleaders and look forward to celebrating all the great things still to come.”
At her final school board meeting last Wednesday, board members spoke to her impact on the district before presenting her with ISD 200 retirement blanket.
“Thank you doesn’t even cover it,” said School Board Chair Carrie Tate.
“You’ve done wonderful things here and you will be missed,” said Clerk Melissa Millner.
“This is not a job to me, it is a passion. I have worked next to some of the most amazing people and have met some of the most amazing people. It’s been an honor and you are in incredibly good hands moving forward,” said Champa.
Champa started as Superintendent of Owatonna Public Schools on July 1.
Dr. Kristine J. Wehrkamp Herman took over as superintendent in Hastings the same day.