Former Director, Special Education Services

October, 2013

Dear Hopkins School District Residents:

It is an honor to share my support for Michael Doobie Kurus.  Currently I am a member with Doobie on the University of Minnesota, College of Education and Human Development Alumni Society Board.  We are working together on the Scholarship Committee to offer scholarships to candidates that we are attracting as the highest quality scholars into education.  I also just attended the University of Minnesota Awards for CEHD Alumni Service that was awarded on September 26, 2013 to Michael Kurus as past President and service.

For the past decade, I have known Doobie in my role as the former and now retired Special Services Director in the Hopkins School District.  Doobie is a conscientious parent whose mission, passion and commitment is to all students in the Hopkins Public Schools.  Doobie is also a special educator with Deaf Hard of Hearing license wherein he offers his expertise and wisdom in his volunteer work with his daughters’ elementary school.  He takes off work one day per week to volunteer in whatever capacity that the school needs support.  This is admirable commitment to service. 

Doobie has been involved in the Community Education Strategic Planning process when his children were in early childhood education at Harley Hopkins.  His creativity and reflective thinking were instrumental in helping to guide the work of the committee.  He seeks to understand and to help build the quality, equity and excellence of public education.  His family commitment to the community is evident in the work that they embrace in supporting the community’s growth and achievement.

Please know that Doobie is a conscientious and reflective leader whose value and commitment to high standards, high performance and expectations for all student learners is evident in his participation at all levels of engagement.  He is also committed to the personalization of education for those in need of additional services.  He strives to learn and understand the complexity of the issues before committees and school boards.  He dedicates his time to serving others in a variety of leadership roles.  He will seek to serve Hopkins School District with his leadership to public service.  It is with the highest regard for Doobie that I endeavor to share my strong support.

Sincerely,

Jan Ormasa

Email:  jormasa11@gmail.com