Patrick Smith, who will lead the new elementary school opening in Maple Grove, was introduced at the city council's groundbreaking event. Smith has spent 10 years as an elementary principal, including six years at Basswood Elementary. Before moving into administration, he worked as a third-grade teacher in the Robbinsdale School District, giving him experience at multiple levels of K-12 education.

Smith outlined an ambitious plan to build community ownership of the new school from the ground up. Starting July 1st, he will launch initiatives to involve parents, students, and neighbors in establishing the school's core identity. This includes letting the community choose the school's name, select its colors, and pick a mascot—decisions that typically fall to administrators alone.

"We want to collaboratively build the school's foundation," Smith explained, emphasizing that community input will shape what the new school becomes. This approach signals a commitment to making the school a reflection of the neighborhood it serves rather than imposing an identity from above.

The groundbreaking event marks a significant milestone for Brooklyn Park, bringing new educational capacity to the Maple Grove area. With Smith's appointment and the community engagement plan in place, the school is positioned to open with strong local support and a clear sense of shared purpose among families and staff.