UPDATED: Two Candidates File For Hopkins School Board

(Updated 4:20 p.m. Aug. 9) As of Tuesday afternoon, there are two candidates for the four School Board positions up for election this year.

Patch talked with the candidates about their qualifications and the issues they'll focus on.

Check back with Patch to see information on any other candidates who file before the Aug. 16 deadline.

Irma McIntosh Coleman

Time in Hopkins Public Schools: 19 years

Education: Master’s degree plus an education specialist certification in school administration

Job: Retired educator; McIntosh Coleman has been a teacher, assistant principal, principal and director of learning for the Minnesota Department of Children, Family and Learning under former Gov. Arne Carlson.

Family: Three adult children, eight grandchildren

Government experience

• Finishing up her first term on the Hopkins School Board
• Member of the West Metro Education Program Joint Powers Board

Other relevant experience

• Delivered meals for Meals on Wheels
• Life member of the public service sorority Delta Sigma Theta

Issues of interest

• Professional learning communities: Hopkins Public Schools is launching this teaching structure, which brings groups of teachers together to collaboratively help students achieve. “I’m excited about the kinds of changes we’re bringing forth,” McIntosh Coleman said.
• Economy: This year’s state budget difficulties emphasized the challenges facing schools, McIntosh Coleman said, noting  agreed to this year.

Biggest challenges facing Hopkins Public Schools

• Economy: “The money side is going to be by far the most difficult part,” McIntosh Coleman said. Residents expect Hopkins to remain a top-tier school district, and the School Board must find ways to do that amid the economic challenges.

Approach as a school board director: McIntosh Coleman said she attends conferences and reads professional materials to share what’s on the horizon with other school board directors. She said her personal motto is “I.M.C.” because she focuses on integrity and sees herself as motivational and compassionate. “My faith, my family and friends are most important to me,” she said.

Tina Soumare

Time in Hopkins: 10 years

Education: Bachelor’s in French and economics

Job: Soumare describes herself as a “professional volunteer” at the moment, but she also spent 13 years in sales and marketing for the financial services industry.

Family: Husband, Modibo, and four children

Government experience

• Volunteer coordinator at Glen Lake Elementary for the past two years
• Chairwoman of various volunteer committees
• Volunteer at Hopkins West Junior High
• Worked with the Glen Lake Parent Teacher Orginization

Other relevant experience

• She said her financial experience gave her the ability to take things into perspective, find efficient ways to manage projects and make decisions.

Issues of interest

• Equity: Soumare’s husband is a naturalized citizen from Senegal, which she said ties her children to the African culture. That gives her a unique perspective on equity issues. She noted the new immigrants moving into the district and how some of them have never attended school. She wants to ensure “everyone has a fair and equal experience.”
• Bullying: Soumare said technology is offering students opportunities that their parents couldn’t have fathomed. The district should embrace technology but also work to keep students safe and secure. She is especially interested in “breaking down the barriers” that keep children from reporting bullying. “A child can be bullied for a very long time and no one knows it’s happening,” she said.

Biggest challenges facing Hopkins Public Schools

• Site issues: Sourmare noted that Hopkins has had site issues and challenges with building planning. ,  and  elementary schools  even as the district’s overall enrollment is declining.

Approach as a school board director: Soumare described herself as open-minded and a good listener. She promised to decide on her vote only after researching the issue. She also said she doesn’t want to dwell on past challenges. “My whole point of being on the board is to focus on where we’re going,” she said.