Brooklyn Park charter school principal dies of complications from COVID-19

The principal and founder of a charter school in Brooklyn Park has died of complications due to COVID-19.

Choua Lee Yang, 53, died Friday after battling the virus for over a month, a post via a GoFundMe page set up by Yang’s family confirmed.

"There is nothing that could prepare us for her early departure from this world," Yang’s family wrote in the post. "We are completely devastated and heart broken with this loss, but find comfort knowing that she is living free of pain in Heaven."

Yang became the principal of Prairie Seeds Academy, a Hmong cultural language charter school, in 2008.

Prairie Seeds Academy issued the following statement:

It is with great sadness that the Board of Directors and Administration of Prairie Seeds Academy Charter School (PSA) share the news of the passing of Chief Executive Officer, Choua Yang on Friday October 9, 2020. Choua died after a heroic battle with COVID-19.

A lifelong educator, Choua served as the Principal of PSA since 2008 and became its Chief Executive Officer in 2020. Under her leadership, PSA increased its enrollment and student success, providing thousands of students with an outstanding education. There was nothing more important to her than the students of PSA. She celebrated their successes, cared deeply when they were troubled and needed help, and was devoted to making things better for every student, family, and staff member at PSA.

Most importantly she believed in giving her students the opportunity to actualize PSA’s mission, to be, "inspired global thinkers, who will understand the importance of inquiry, lifelong learning, intercultural awareness, respect, and adaptability as they become future leaders."

Choua understood and valued the importance of education and devoted her entire career to the profession, starting in 1996 with her first teaching job. Over the years, Choua served in multiple leadership roles with the Minneapolis Public Schools and St. Paul Public Schools before joining PSA as its principal. She was an exceptional leader who served with humility and contributed immensely to the growth of many teachers, principals, and administrators. Those that have been fortunate to work with Choua will remember her constant encouragement and above all, her kindness.

Choua loved life. While life presented challenges and obstacles, she embraced it with a smile and always trusted that everything happened for a reason. Her entire life was dedicated to serving others. She lifted us with her humor and high spirits and was a constant light during troubled times.

Choua will be greatly missed by the PSA Community. Her legacy of success and care for others will continue to guide PSA. For more information about Choua, please see this link.