It’s important for us to recognize the individuals — especially our educators — who make our community as strong as it is.”

Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce President Kristy Barse

The Hastings School Board meeting Wednesday, Feb. 25, highlighted both celebration and serious reflection, as board members honored an outstanding educator, received updates on student achievement and curriculum, and formally addressed non-compliance concerns raised by the district’s Native American Parent Advisory Committee (NAPAC).
The regular meeting, held in the Hastings Middle School Media Center, opened with routine business before shifting to the evening’s “Raider Spotlight,” where longtime educator Christy Baum was recognized as the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year.
Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce President Kristy Barse presented the award, explaining the rigorous nomination and selection process that draws input from across the community.
“Our business community recognizes that in order to have a thriving business, they have to have a strong community behind them,” Barse said. “It’s important for us to recognize the individuals — especially our educators — who make our community as strong as it is.”
Baum, who has taught for 35 years, including 26 in the Hastings district, was nominated by numerous peers. According to Barse, a consistent theme emerged from the nominations: Baum is a problem-solver and a trusted collaborator.
“Educators are dealing with multiple things every day. No day looks the same,” Barse said. “Christy is a leader in her school. People feel confident coming to her when they need to collaborate, when they need someone to listen, or when they have a problem they can’t solve.”
One nomination included a parent’s perspective, recounting how Baum supported a seriously ill student to the point that the family credited her with helping their child graduate.
Baum, who plans to retire at the end of the school year, told the board she was “honored” and emphasized that she represents “a district full of incredible teachers and staff and amazing kids.”
“When I retire at the end of the year, the children will be the ones that I miss the most,” she said.
Board member Elaine Mikel-Mulder thanked Baum for her longevity and impact.
“I don’t know how teachers do this day after day, year after year,” Mikel-Mulder said. “Your voice is so valuable, and we couldn’t do this without you.”

Superintendent report and curriculum update
Superintendent Dr. Kristine Wehrkamp Herman delivered her monthly report, which included an in-depth elementary curriculum and assessment update.
The district is in its second year of implementing Wit & Wisdom for elementary literacy. According to the presentation, teachers are seeing “much greater depth of learning” now that both students and staff are familiar with the curriculum. Ongoing professional development and coaching remain a focus.
Elementary science is in its first year of Amplify Science implementation, with teachers reporting strong literacy connections and collaboration with the district’s new STEM program.
Board members also reviewed winter FastBridge assessment data. FastBridge serves as both a universal screening and progress-monitoring tool, identifying students who may need additional support. According to the winter literacy data, approximately 80% of kindergarten and first-grade students are making expected growth in early reading. Kindergarten showed particular strength, with about 90% of students making typical or accelerated progress.
In grades 2–4, 63% of students are making typical or accelerated progress, and 64% are achieving at or above grade-level expectations. In grades 5–8, 62% are making typical or accelerated progress, with 63% achieving at or above grade level.
District leaders noted that intensive reading interventions are producing measurable gains, and future work will focus on refining Tier 1 instruction to challenge students already performing at grade level.
“We will continue to leverage a strong, data-driven tiered instructional model to both close gaps and push all students toward higher levels of achievement,” the presentation stated.

NAPAC non-compliance vote
A significant portion of the meeting addressed the district’s compliance with Minnesota statutes governing American Indian education programming.
Under Minnesota Statutes 124D.78, districts with 10 or more American Indian students must have an American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC/NAPAC) and must secure a vote of concurrence or nonconcurrence on the district’s American Indian Education Plan.
Documents presented to the board showed that the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee issued a vote of nonconcurrence dated Feb. 22, 2026. The committee presented its vote to the school board on Feb. 25.
Under statute, when a committee votes nonconcurrence, it must provide written recommendations for improvement. The school board then has 60 days to respond in writing, and that response must be submitted to both the committee and the Minnesota Department of Education’s Office of American Indian Education.
The compliance documentation outlines required elements, including the annual compliance or vote of concurrence/nonconcurrence document, AIPAC roster and sign-in sheets, program plan review and meeting minutes.
Board members acknowledged the seriousness of the nonconcurrence vote and the timeline for response. District leaders indicated they will work collaboratively with the committee to address concerns and ensure statutory compliance moving forward.

Student representatives detail busy month
Student board representatives provided updates from across the district, detailing a busy February filled with academic and extracurricular achievements.
At Hastings High School, students participated in FCA worship events, Hastings Reads activities and visits from Ojibwe author Anton Treuer, who discussed Native culture and his book “Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask.”
The school’s Knowledge Bowl team advanced to regional competition after placing fourth out of 28 teams at sub-regions. Show choir hosted the annual “Swinging on the River” competition, drawing teams from across the state, and winter athletics entered section and state tournament play.
Students also reported on fundraising efforts for the upcoming Polar Plunge, with a goal of raising $12,500 to support Special Olympics through the Best Buddies program.
Middle school updates included orchestra and choir concerts, WEB mentoring activities connecting fifth graders with older students, and curriculum connections between Olympic viewing and Newton’s laws of motion.
At Kennedy Elementary, students celebrated “I Love to Read Month” with spirit days and field trips to the Science Museum and Bell Museum. Pinecrest and McAuliffe Elementary students also participated in literacy and STEM activities, field trips and winter-themed learning events.