Angela Thompson is a proud resident of Hugo, where she and her husband, Matt, have lived for the past 25 years. Married for 29 years, they’ve raised two daughters, Michaela (Class of '21) and Lily (Class of '27), in the White Bear Lake Area community—a place they both cherished growing up within themselves.
Angela’s high school experience, shaped by adversity at home, fueled her passion for supporting students facing similar challenges. Her turning point came when she met her Work Experience Coordinator, Mr. Boben, who helped her enroll in business courses, join Business Professionals of America, and participate in the On-the-Job Training (OJT) program. Angela spent her senior year attending class for the first half of the day and the other half in a paid internship as the secretary to the Athletic Director. She graduated with a 2.02 GPA and was hired as a full-time office assistant after high school, but the position ended due to the loss of grant funding. Despite this setback, Angela's skills and experience through OJT laid the foundation for her current career. Angela deeply understands the obstacles students face when home life interferes with academics, and she believes in the power of educators to help students realize their potential.
In 2023, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work, graduating cum laude from Saint Catherine University while balancing a full-time job, family responsibilities, and her service on the school board. Her commitment to lifelong learning is a value she brings to her role, demonstrating to students that education is a pathway to empowerment, even in the face of adversity.
Today, Angela is an ICWA Guardian ad Litem for the State of Minnesota, advocating for Indigenous children and families. Her professional and personal experiences have shaped her unwavering belief that every student deserves a chance to succeed. Angela is passionate about expanding career pathways and real-world learning opportunities, ensuring that all students in the White Bear Lake Area Schools are equipped for success, no matter their background.
Angela’s journey is a reflection of hard work and perseverance. Sworn into office in January 2020, Angela faced the challenges of navigating the pandemic—a time when approximately 76 school board members resigned across the state. Despite the unprecedented difficulties, Angela remained steadfast, continuing her work on behalf of students, their families, and the district staff.
Angela began her journey of community involvement when her oldest daughter was in 1st grade. She became a regular presence in the schools, helping with art projects, reading with students, chaperoning field trips, and supporting teachers in any way she could.
When her youngest daughter, Lily, was at Oneka Lake, Angela lost her 2017 school board bid but found a new way to contribute: joining the PTA. Initially unfamiliar with the PTA's impact, Angela quickly discovered its vital role in supporting schools, and she encourages parents to get involved. The experience is both rewarding and impactful.
Angela also participated in the district's first Strategic Planning Committees, contributing to Strategy 5: Embrace all cultures with humility and respect. This experience ignited her passion for helping others and led her to pursue higher education at 44. Her academic journey fueled her desire to make a difference.
In 2019, Angela's dedication paid off as she won her school board seat with a record-breaking 7,222 votes, the highest in five election cycles, and a percentage of 25.36%. Her involvement reflects her commitment to empowering students and supporting her community.
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