The Hastings School Board approved the district's 2026-27 budget and reviewed encouraging student achievement data during a wide-ranging meeting June 17 that highlighted both the district's academic progress and the financial challenges that lie ahead.
The meeting included reports on student literacy and math performance, approval of the district's annual literacy plan, discussion of curriculum updates, a review of building projects and recognition of Superintendent Dr. Kristine Wehrkamp Herman's first year leading the district.
One of the board's most significant actions was approval of the district's 2026-27 budget.
The budget comes as Hastings Public Schools continues to navigate enrollment declines, inflationary pressures and increasing state and federal mandates while maintaining educational programming and student services.
Finance Director Jennifer Seubert presented the budget as part of a larger discussion about the district's financial outlook, noting that school districts continue to face challenges as state funding struggles to keep pace with rising costs.
Board members praised Seubert for helping them better understand the district's finances.
"Thank you so much for really drilling down into this and helping us understand," Director Elaine Mikel-Mulder said during the meeting. "You've been so pivotal in understanding budget."
The board unanimously approved the budget as part of its action agenda.

Literacy and math scores show improvement
Board members also received a detailed report on student performance through the district's FastBridge assessment system from Director of Teaching and Learning Andrew Hodges and Literacy and Curriculum Lead Andy Larson.
FastBridge serves as the district's primary literacy and math screening tool for students in kindergarten through eighth grade and helps educators identify learning needs and monitor student progress.
Hodges said the district's investment in curriculum, staff training and interventions is producing measurable results.
"Especially in our younger grades, where we've invested the most time, training, energy and curricular resources, you can see how far we've come in a pretty short amount of time," he said.
The spring data showed significant literacy gains across several grade levels. Kindergarten reading proficiency rose to 79 percent, up from 72 percent a year ago. First grade increased from 62 percent to 66 percent, while third grade climbed from 64 percent to 73 percent.
Middle school and high school students also posted gains. Ninth-grade literacy proficiency increased from 51 percent to 60 percent.
Math scores showed similar improvement.
Third-grade math proficiency increased from 64 percent to 72 percent, sixth grade rose from 68 percent to 72 percent and ninth grade improved from 57 percent to 67 percent.
While pleased with the results, district leaders said intervention efforts remain a priority.
"If our students are needing an intervention, it means they need to grow at more than a typical growth," Hodges said.
Larson said recent curriculum changes have helped strengthen student learning.
"The work that we've done over the last two years with our literacy curriculum has really opened up doors to be able to think deeper for our students," he said.
The district also plans to continue evaluating assessment tools. Administrators reported that Hastings Middle School will begin using the CAPTI assessment in conjunction with FastBridge as part of efforts to gather more actionable data for student interventions.

Literacy plan approved
The board also approved the district's annual Local Literacy Plan, a requirement under Minnesota law.
According to the report, Hastings exceeded its literacy goal for the 2025-26 school year. District leaders had targeted 65 percent of K-8 students reading at grade level and ultimately achieved a rate of 65.8 percent.
The district has now established a goal of increasing that figure to 70 percent during the 2026-27 school year.
To reach that target, administrators plan to continue coaching teachers, conducting curriculum fidelity reviews and increasing monitoring of students who are not meeting expected growth targets.

Superintendent earns strong evaluation
Board members also publicly reviewed Superintendent Dr. Kristine Wehrkamp Herman's annual performance evaluation.
The superintendent received an overall score of 3.8 on a four-point scale, with board members praising her leadership, communication and relationship-building during her first year in Hastings.
Vice Chair Jessica Dressley said board members appreciated Wehrkamp Herman's collaborative approach and commitment to continuous improvement.
Director Philip Biermeier offered additional praise.
"What a great first year," Biermeier said. "I don't know how you spread yourself out. I think you've cloned yourself, but we appreciate what you've done, and you are really working hard, and you are moving us forward."
Mikel-Mulder said she was especially impressed by the superintendent's strategic planning efforts.
"The organization, the intentionality, and the efforts, and the work that she's putting into not only goals but also relationships within the district is phenomenal," she said.
Wehrkamp Herman reflected briefly on her first year in the district, noting that the year had passed quickly.
"I felt like we had a really good year. My first year here went very, very fast," she said. "It's been wonderful. I've really enjoyed meeting community members, getting to know all of our partners and working with other donors that support our students and staff every day."
The superintendent also reminded families that the district will begin classes before Labor Day this fall. Fifth- and ninth-grade students will begin Aug. 31, followed by grades 6-8 and 10-12 on Sept. 1. All students will attend beginning Sept. 2.

Curriculum and facilities updates
Board members reviewed a proposed update to the sixth-grade social studies curriculum, which would move the district to the third edition of the Northern Lights curriculum developed by the Minnesota Historical Society.
Hodges told board members the updated curriculum better aligns with state standards and includes substantial revisions from the current version.
The board also received a report on radon testing conducted at district facilities.
Director of Facilities and Safety Scott Stockdale reported that Kennedy Elementary, Pinecrest Elementary and Tilden Community Center were tested. Most locations were below action levels following follow-up testing, although one room at the Curriculum Center remained slightly above the state's recommended threshold and will require mitigation measures.

Other business
Additional reports included updates from the Community Collaboration Committee, ISD 917, the Association of Metropolitan School Districts and district facilities projects.
Director Mark Zuzek highlighted a proposed internship initiative through Intermediate School District 917 that could eventually connect with Hastings High School's growing Pathways program.
The board also approved the district's long-term facilities maintenance plan, superintendent goals for 2026-27, Minnesota State High School League membership, policy updates and several personnel matters.