The school will be led by longtime SPPS and community leader, Dr. Abdisalam Adam, as principal. “I’m beyond excited and honored to welcome students from all cultural backgrounds to this program. Educators know that a strong multilingual and multicultural education provides children with unique skills that set them on a path to succeed in a variety of careers,” said Dr. Adam. “This program will enrich all Minnesotans as we educate children who can help our state and country build bridges with East Africa to expand our friendships and global economy.”

 

Dr. Adam sees his role as a public intellectual with a determination to build a strong, nurturing school community that ensures success for all students. He is guided by the Somali proverb, “Lack of Education is Lack of Light,” and believes every child has the right to a world-class 21st century education. He has been with Saint Paul Public Schools since 1997 in a variety of roles, most recently as an assistant principal at Highland Park Senior High School.

 

Dr. Adam received his Doctor of Education and Administrative License from Bethel University, his Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from St. Cloud State University, and a B.A. in English as a Second Language from King Saud University in Saudi Arabia. In addition to the United States, he has lived in Somalia, Ethiopia, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. He is a strong advocate for multilingualism and he speaks Somali, English and Arabic.