Perhaps the most important information produced at the Hopkins schools’ community forum Monday night was that the local schools project a caring, rural family image, but they really need an auditorium.

Nearly 50 people, including many teachers and staff, appeared at the forum, which was unique because its purpose was not to sell a bond issue. In fact, the forum was not organized by any administrators or board members. It was put together by the teachers.

“It wasn’t the board or administration that planned this session,” said Superintendent Gary Wood, “it was the teachers’ union… This is supposed to be an open dialogue to help Hopkins be a better performing district. Our focus here should be on the kids, not on adults.”

Jacob Oaster, co-president of the Hopkins Education Association with Jason Babiak, reported, “To my knowledge, we’ve never had anything like this (forum) in our district… We thought this was worth a try to have better communication… We want to grow from this experience.”

It didn’t take long for an auditorium to rise to the surface as the greatest physical need for the school system.

A Hopkins High School junior rose to the occasion by saying, “I really feel we need an auditorium. I think it would be beneficial.”

Her sentiments were echoed by local business woman Heather Ludlam, who said, “This has been an issue for me as well, for a long time. We need a place for the band, the choir, the theater.”

Noting such a facility would cost plenty of money, she did not propose any bond project, but instead something similar to what the community did several years ago in constructing a new football stadium.

Mitzi Crowe said, “I absolutely support the auditorium concept. I too would love to see that.”

Barb Selvig chimed in, “I can’t argue enough on behalf of an auditorium,” asserting there’s not enough room for band, choir and theater practices and presentations.

Julie Gabala added, “The band no longer fits in the band room and can no longer fit on stage. There’s lots of kids and lots of parents (involved), but having enough space to perform would be great.”

The superintendent said, “I really haven’t heard anything new. This issue has been on the radar since I’ve been here. That (an auditorium) would be good for the district.”

But at this point, no specific plans were proposed. It was identified simply as the top priority on the list of the district’s needs.

Babiak presented an emotional thanks to all present and the community in general for support for his family while dealing with his son Dawson’s challenges with leukemia.

Hopkins Elementary Principal Scott VanBonn, a 1995 graduate, quipped that at age 18 he never thought he’d come back, but noted, “This is home, this is community, this is family.”

One speaker referred to Hopkins as “Pleasantville.”

However, one woman said, “We are lacking in diversity in this Pleasantville community. We have to start thinking outside of Pleasantville.”

Ms. Crowe agreed, saying, “As utopic as this place seems, we have struggling parents and therefore struggling children.”

She suggested some kind of program in which teachers can provide parents with support.

There also was talk about expanding mentoring programs for students and Pastor John VanderWall of the Hopkins Community Church said his congregation might want to help.

Ms. Ludlum also said she’s like to see the sex education program include more information about birth control and contraception. She said she supports abstinence as the best option, but too many young people are getting into trouble and need more information.

Julie Smith, math teacher at the junior high, said it saddens her that the girls’ athletic programs do not get more fan support and wondered about any special promotions or free admission that might prompt more attendance.

It was reported that there is too much “hot rodding” in the parking lot behind the school, which could result in dangerous situations. Principal Ken Sczcepanski said he would like help from volunteers in identifying the guilty motorists so something can be done.

There was some talk about better use of the Wise Farm for field trips.

Rhonda Gilbert said, “We really struggle with getting substitute teachers into our buildings.”

Hopkins recently increased the pay to $80 daily and it was noted substitute shortages have become a problem statewide.

There also was some discussion about providing better information on what foods are available in the cafeteria. Ms. Smith asserted there isn’t enough time for students to eat and get back to class in time.

Oaster, in wrapping up the hour and a half session, said he agreed with the comments about the supportive community and added, “It’s not just the teachers, it’s the food service workers, the custodians, the bus drivers, the support staff.”

But going back to Priority One, Oaster said, “We’ve talked about an auditorium for at least the 12 years I’ve been here and probably at least 12 years before that. But instead of just talking about it, we need options and solutions. If we all do a little bit of something, It’ll make a difference.”

There was preliminary consensus about having another community forum as early as March 27 or sometime in April.

PHOTO: Hopkins Board of Education member Karen Ryan (far right) attempts to make a point during discussion at the forum.

Jacob Oaster, co-president of the Hopkins teachers’ union, makes opening remarks at the community forum.