January 30, 2025
from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school
As we continue through the school year, I want to offer part two of my state of the school report by taking a moment to reflect on the incredible progress we have made as a community and share key updates on the state of Mounds Park Academy. Our commitment to academic excellence, inclusion, faculty support, and institutional sustainability remains stronger than ever. With thoughtful planning and strategic initiatives, we are building a future that ensures every student thrives.
Strengthening Our Community of Belonging
One of MPA’s greatest strengths is its inclusive and welcoming environment. We are proud to have launched the Upper School Student Belonging Group, a student-led initiative aimed at fostering a space where every student feels free to be their authentic self. This group is collaborating with our Equity & Belonging team to develop a meaningful Black History Month program that will engage the entire school community.
MPA’s commitment to diversity extends beyond our campus. A delegation of 13 students, faculty, staff, and trustees recently attended the 2024 People of Color Conference and Student Diversity Leadership Conference in Denver. In addition, we are honored to be the official sponsor of the second annual Minnesota Student Diversity Leadership Conference in partnership with SPA.
Empowering Our Faculty and Staff
At the heart of MPA’s excellence is our dedicated faculty and staff, and we remain committed to supporting and rewarding their incredible work. We have partnered with ThreePoint, a national independent school consulting firm, to revise our faculty compensation philosophy and salary schedule to attract, retain, and fairly compensate our educators. This work is nearly complete and will be implemented for the 2025–26 school year.
To further enhance faculty and staff well-being, we have created a Director of Human Resources position. This position will focus on employee support, professional development, and engagement. We are in the final stages of hiring for this position, with a planned start date of March 1.
Ensuring Financial Sustainability and Growth
MPA continues to take a strategic and forward-thinking approach to financial planning. We are finalizing the hiring of a new Chief Financial and Operations Officer to strengthen financial oversight and planning. Additionally, our Strategic Marketing and Enrollment Plan developed collaboratively with faculty, staff, trustees, and parents, will guide our admission and marketing efforts over the next five years. A key initiative under the plan is the launch of a new MPA website for the 2025–26 school year, designed to provide an enhanced experience for both prospective and current families while showcasing MPA’s unique educational approach.
Preparing for Leadership Transition and Accreditation
As we look ahead, we are preparing for an exciting leadership transition. Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, our next head of school, has already begun engaging with our community, and the board of trustees and I have been working closely with her to ensure a seamless transition. You will continue to hear more from Dr. Brogdon in the coming months as she prepares to officially begin her tenure on July 1.
Additionally, MPA is entering its seven-year re-accreditation cycle with the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS). Upper School faculty member Kari Kunze is leading the steering committee to guide this process, ensuring that MPA continues to meet the highest standards of independent school education.
Innovating in Technology, Social Media, and Student Well-being
Technology and screen use remain important topics of discussion at MPA. The Upper School cell phone policy, implemented this year, has proven to be a positive shift in student engagement and well-being. Students are spending more time engaged in conversations, playing games, and building community, with fewer distractions from their devices.
To support families in navigating technology and social media, MPA is offering a Screens and Students parent education series, led by Middle School director Paul Errickson, director of academic technology Michael Moran, and Upper School assistant director Jay Dean. The series includes discussions on Jonathan Haidt’s book “The Anxious Generation” and practical strategies for managing screen time and social media use at home.
In December, MPA celebrated Hour of Code Week through our Library-Maker-Tech (LMT) program, offering engaging coding experiences for students at every grade level. These initiatives, along with an increased focus on computer science education, continue to equip students with valuable problem-solving and digital literacy skills.
Investing in MPA’s Future Through Fundraising
Thanks to the generosity of our community, we have successfully raised significant funds to support MPA’s mission. Our fall fundraising campaign generated $412,169.26 in both restricted and unrestricted gifts, directly benefiting our students.
Two new initiatives reflect our project-based approach to fundraising:
- The Hudson Fund for Resilient Students: Established by the Board of Trustees in honor of my tenure, this endowed fund will provide financial assistance and resources to students who have shown exceptional resilience in overcoming challenges. Our goal is to raise $500,000, and we are well on our way.
- All-Gender Inclusive Bathrooms: A mini-campaign is underway to convert two Upper School restrooms into all-gender inclusive bathrooms, reinforcing our commitment to inclusivity.
Expanding Global Partnerships
Our international partnerships continue to flourish. Upper School Director Mark Segal recently traveled to Vanke Meisha Academy (VMA) in Shenzhen, China, where he led a professional development session for faculty on assessments. This spring, our robotics team will collaborate with VMA’s team, further expanding global learning opportunities for MPA students.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, MPA remains committed to excellence, inclusion, and continuous innovation. Whether through academic enhancements, faculty support, student well-being initiatives, or global engagement, we are strengthening the foundation that makes MPA a truly extraordinary place for students to learn and grow.
I am deeply grateful for our incredible community of students, parents, faculty, and staff. Thank you for your ongoing partnership, trust, and belief in MPA’s mission. Together, we will continue to dream big, do right, and shake the world.
