Hopkins High School Leadership Team
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A message from the 2025-26 Hopkins High School Leadership Team
We are excited to begin the school year as your Interim Co-Principal Leadership Team. While our leadership model is interim, our commitment to excellence, equity, and student success is unwavering. Together, we are building a school culture where every Royal is seen, supported, and celebrated.
This year, Hopkins High School is led by a team of experienced and dedicated school leaders who bring over 62 years of combined experience in education, including 13 years serving the Hopkins High School community. Our shared leadership model ensures strong collaboration, deeper student support, and well-rounded decision-making to guide our school through a successful year.
Let’s make this a year of growth, connection, and pride. Go Royals!
Lisa Thao, Gene Ward, and Lorenzo Farley
Meet the Interim Leadership Team
Lisa Thao - Interim Co-Principal
Focus Areas: School operations, communication, vision, budget, and family engagement
Contact: Lisa.Thao@HopkinsSchools.org or 952-988-4508
Principal Thao is entering her fourth year as an administrator at Hopkins High School. Known for her deep commitment to equity and student belonging, she has built trusted relationships with staff, students, and families. A mother of three, she brings leadership experience from both charter and public schools and is passionate about creating a culture where all students feel seen, valued, and supported.
Gene Ward Jr. - Interim Co-Principal
Focus Areas: Instruction, academic programming, and scheduling
Contact: Gene.Ward@HopkinsSchools.org or 952-988-4581
Principal Ward is beginning his fourth year as an administrator at HHS, with previous experience as a math teacher, instructional coach, and assistant principal. He is dedicated to strong teaching and learning in every classroom and to elevating student voice throughout the school.
Lorenzo Farley - Interim Co-Principal
Focus Areas: School culture, safety, and climate
Contact: Lorenzo.Farley@HopkinsSchools.org or 952-988-4509
Principal Farley is in his sixth year of leadership at HHS. He is a champion for restorative practices, holistic safety, and student accountability. His focus is on ensuring that Hopkins High School is a safe, inclusive space where all students can thrive.
Dr. Mitchell Schank - Interim Dean of Students
Focus Areas: Student behavior, engagement, and support
Contact: Mitchell.Schank@HopkinsSchools.org or 952-988-4648
Dr. Schank brings his passion for student connection and well-being into his new role as Interim Dean of Students. Formerly a science teacher and coach, he also led ninth-grade orientation efforts and is committed to fostering strong relationships and positive engagement across grade levels.
What is a Co-Principal Leadership Team?
At Hopkins High School, we’re embracing a Co-Principal Leadership Team for the 2025–26 school year. Rather than one single principal, leadership responsibilities are shared between three experienced administrators, each with a clear area of focus and a deep commitment to students.
- Lisa Thao serves as Interim Co-Principal, overseeing school-wide operations, communication, vision, and family engagement.
- Gene Ward Jr. and Lorenzo Farley serve as Interim Co-Principals, with dedicated leadership in Teaching & Learning and School Culture & Climate, respectively.
- New to the team this year, Dr. Mitchell Schank serves as Interim Dean of Students, supporting student behavior, engagement, and culture.
This shared leadership model enhances collaboration and ensures our school community is supported by the collective strength, expertise, and care of multiple leaders.
Looking Ahead
Hopkins Public Schools is continuing its search for a long-term principal who aligns fully with our community’s vision and values. That search will resume later this year and will include meaningful input from students, families, and staff.
In the meantime, the Interim Leadership Team—supported by district leaders and the superintendent—will provide strong, student-centered leadership to ensure a successful and connected school year for all.