“I’m fortunate to have grown up within my career in this community.” SANB Staff wins MASA Award

Hope Fagerland isn’t one for the spotlight. Nominated by her colleagues and urged to move forward in the process, she felt honored to win the Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA) Outstanding Central Office Leadership Award. Winning awards is awesome, but that is not why she does the work.

“My purpose is to serve alongside educators and families,” she said. “To foster inclusive environments where students become trustworthy, responsible, respectful people who have a vision for their future.”

She started her career in special education because she wanted to help students find their voice and advocate for themselves. That focus has never changed, even as her role has shifted from the classroom to the district office. Now, as Executive Director of Academics, Hope helps ensure that educators, staff, and families have the resources they need to guide students forward. 

"As a central office leader, I get to support other adults in our SANB system, staff and parents, so they can help our students be successful," she said.

That support shows up in many ways, including the Special Education Advisory Council, which has grown from just a couple of parents to more than 30 families at each meeting. The discussions are guided by what families want to talk about, and Fagerland credits her coordinator, Jenny, for helping make these conversations meaningful. At the last meeting, families and staff took time to recognize what made each student unique. 

"Parents shared what was special about their child, and then they got to hear what staff recognized and valued in their child as well," she said.

She is known among her colleagues for her quiet but steady leadership. The administrative team often jokes about how she avoids the spotlight, but she is always there to help Superintendent Dr. Renee Corneille and Executive Director of HR and Operations Tim Anderson build systems that allow staff to do their jobs effectively. 

"I do not like being the center of attention," she chuckled. "But I do like supporting Renee and Tim to make sure our staff have what they need."

She leads by asking herself three simple questions: how can I come alongside, how can I support, and how can I ensure that I am listening to colleagues and families so we can respect the dignity of one another and our students.

Fagerland has spent most of her career growing within St. Anthony-New Brighton Schools. 

"I have been fortunate to be part of this community," she said. "I have learned a lot from this district and this community, and I am grateful."

Hope may not seek the spotlight, but this award is a reflection of the work she does every day alongside educators, families, and students to make SANB a place where everyone has a voice.