July 1, 2025
from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school
Dear MPA community,
I hope this message finds you well, enjoying these long summer days. I love the many ways Minnesotans find joy and energy spending time outdoors, taking in the sun.
It is incredibly exciting to officially arrive at Mounds Park Academy! I would like to extend my gratitude to the Board of Trustees for entrusting me with the responsibility of leading MPA and their continued support as I begin my new role as the school’s fifth head of school.
Thank you also to the faculty, staff, students, families, and alumni for the warm welcome! I have appreciated connecting with many of you throughout this past year at school events. While I always want summer to last as long as possible, I very much look forward to deepening our connections this school year.
I arrive at MPA feeling prepared for this transition, in large part due to the collaboration and partnership of Dr. Bill Hudson. Our intentional time together over these past 12 months was initiated by his strong leadership and love for the MPA community. His graciousness in including me in many school events, hiring committees, and faculty and staff meetings, afforded me the incredible opportunity to learn about, and be a part of, the MPA community already. As a result, I feel even more connected to the incredible history of MPA, its traditions, and hopes for the future.
Last week, I had the privilege of joining a small group of school heads at the Malone Conference at Stanford University. Engaging in thought-provoking conversations led by Stanford professors served as an exceptional reminder that the heart of education is ensuring we teach our students the skills they need to think for themselves. And that the process of inquiry—to never stop asking questions and to look for multiple answers—is exactly what leads our students to develop the biggest and best dreams that do right for this world.
It is an exciting time to be at MPA. This year, we are scheduled to complete our self-study as part of the ISACS re-accreditation process. As a result, our community will be engaged in a comprehensive reflection of all aspects of our school. I look forward to working with everyone as we identify the beautiful ways we continue to connect to our mission through our school program and community practices. As we look forward, our self-study will serve as a natural springboard into our next strategic plan, providing clarity and commitment to the continued growth and sustainability of MPA.
Please be on the lookout for upcoming invitations to join me for coffee and conversation over the next several months. In addition, mark your calendars for Charting the Future: 100 Days with Dr. Lori-Anne Brodgon on the evening of Friday, October 24. This will include my first formal presentation to the community, where I will provide an update on my transition to MPA, the school’s continued progress on the current strategic plan, and thoughts about the future of Mounds Park Academy. Until then, if you are on campus this summer and would like to visit, please do not hesitate to reach out.
With gratitude and excitement,
Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon
Head of School
Save The Date For Charting The Future: 100 Days With Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon
Join us for an evening of reflection, connection, and forward momentum as we celebrate Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon’s first 100 days as MPA’s head of school from 6-7:30 PM on Friday, October 24! Dr. Brogdon will share her insights and vision during a presentation, highlighting what she’s discovered, what’s ahead, and how we’ll chart the future together as a community. A reception will follow the presentation—an opportunity to connect with Dr. Brogdon and fellow members of the MPA community. A limited amount of childcare will be available at no cost. We hope to see you there!
