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2025 Central Office Leader Award - Metro Area News Release

    Hope Fagerland Receives Outstanding Central Office Leader Award​

    February 19, 2025

    The Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA) has named Hope Fagerland, Executive Director of Academics for St. Anthony-New Brighton School District, the recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Central Office Leader Award. She received this award for demonstrating exceptional leadership, a commitment to student-centered decision-making, and a passion for continuous improvement. Fagerland will be honored for her leadership, dedication to student success, and significant contributions to her district at a statewide recognition ceremony during the MASA/MASE Spring Conference, held March 20-21, 2025, at the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest.

    During her tenure with St. Anthony-New Brighton Schools, Fagerland has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing student services, equity, and school safety. She played a crucial role in developing and leading the district's Safety and Security Plan, collaborating with school-based emergency response teams and local law enforcement to ensure a comprehensive approach to crisis management. Her efforts have helped strengthen emergency preparedness and response protocols across the district.

    Fagerland is a strong advocate for student and family support services, ensuring that every student has access to the resources they need to thrive academically and socially. She has worked closely with teachers, support staff, and families to create individualized student success plans and has facilitated partnerships with community organizations to provide comprehensive services for students facing unique challenges. Her leadership in these areas has reinforced the district’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Additionally, Fagerland recently collaborated with her superintendent to develop a district-wide plan for inclusive leadership, ensuring that equity and excellence remain central to district decision-making.

    Throughout her career, Fagerland has been instrumental in securing and managing funding for Title programs, Achievement and Integration, Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER), and Alternative Delivery of Specialized Instructional Services (ADSIS), ensuring financial sustainability and programmatic effectiveness. A dedicated lifelong learner, she actively participates in MASA and MASE and has engaged in professional development through programs such as the Minnesota Aspiring Superintendents program and the Board of School Superintendents (BOSS) cohort.

    Fagerland has served as the Executive Director of Academics for St. Anthony-New Brighton Public Schools since 2023. Prior to this role, she held positions within the district as the Director of Student Services, Director of Technology, District Assessment Coordinator, Special Education Coordinator, and Special Education Teacher.

    Fagerland earned a master’s degree in Special Education and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Minnesota State University Moorhead. She holds licensure as a Superintendent, Director of Special Education, and K-12 Learning Disabilities and Emotional Behavior Disorders educator.

    Each year, MASA recognizes members for their contribution to public education. MASA is a professional organization of Minnesota’s school leaders, including superintendents, assistant superintendents, directors of special education, and other central office administrators, as well as state department administrators, college and university professors, and other educators throughout Minnesota dedicated to educational leadership for students.

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