• Taking Pride in Our LGBTQ+ Community

    (6.4.23) In Saint Paul Public Schools, we believe in creating a safe and welcoming school environment that fosters positive self-esteem, respect for others, and academic success for all students. In a time of increased hostility and cultural politics, these values are more important than ever for our LGBTQ+ students, families and staff.

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  • May is Mental Health Awareness Month

    (5.21.23) As we inch closer to the end of the school year, it’s a busy time for everyone with final projects and grading, planning events and celebrations, and tying up as much work as we can before summer break. It can be a hectic and stressful time, which makes it even more important to recognize that May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

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  • A New School for a New Generation

    (5.7.23) Over the past several months, a group of district staff and community members have been meeting to envision a new magnet school in SPPS. They have shared their hopes and dreams for a school that will combine high-quality education and culturally responsive programming, with a focus on the languages and cultures of East Africa. They just need someone to build it.

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  • Envisioning the Future of SPPS

    (4.23.23) One year ago, many people across our district were working hard to help staff and families prepare to say goodbye to their school and become part of a new community as part of Envision SPPS. Change is never easy, and it takes time and a lot of heart to do it right. While we can still appreciate what we’ve lost, I hope that you are starting to see how much we have to gain because we made these tough decisions.

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  • Next Steps Toward a Safer SPPS

    (3.12.23) Whether you are on your school’s mental health team, safety team, security team, support team, administration or play another important role in the district, I want to thank you for the systems of support you have created and consistently demonstrate in your daily work. Throughout this month, we will be holding additional listening and engagement opportunities to ensure we are hearing as many voices as possible on the important topic of school safety. 

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  • Supporting Each Other & Seeking Solutions, Together

    (1.29.23) There is no job more important than ours. The challenges facing our young people are bigger than any one of us can solve alone. I want to hear from as many of you as possible; please watch for a survey and invitation to a virtual safety meeting in the coming weeks.

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  • Largest Education Investment in State History

    (1.8.23) As the 2023 legislative session begins, an unprecedented surplus of over $17 billion is on the table, creating an opportunity to meet many unmet needs for Minnesotans. While there are numerous worthy investments to be made, Gov. Walz has come out strong for education. Now is the time to fund our schools in a way that will truly and sustainably meet the needs of our students, today and into the future.

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  • A More Inclusive Calendar

    (12.11.22) At the last Board of Education meeting before winter break, the Board will vote on the calendar for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years. Some of the proposed changes are intentional efforts to honor our communities’ diverse array of cultures and unique identities.

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  • Three More Years

    (11.20.22) When I came to SPPS in 2017, I was committed to staying for as long as I could. With everything that has happened between then and now, my commitment to this district hasn’t wavered. This year, I am making a point to be present in our buildings and out in our community more, and in meeting rooms less.

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  • Confronting Tragedy & School Safety

    (10.16.22) In the wake of tragic deaths and youth violence in our community, it’s human nature to point fingers and assign blame: It’s the parents (or assumed absence of them). The guns. The police. And yes, some will blame the schools. It is my commitment to be proactive in how we handle crises and manage the ongoing perception of safety in our schools.

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  • Culturally Responsive Classrooms

    (10.9.22) As many districts around the country are grappling with criticism around critical race theory and the so-called culture wars, I am proud that SPPS is a place where all are welcome, where everyone is celebrated, and where every student can be proud of who they are and where they come from. Thank you for your commitment to doing this work in your classrooms and beyond.

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  • Focusing On Enrollment

    (9.25.22) There is always some shifting that happens at the beginning of the year, and one thing we are watching closely is enrollment. As of Friday, our daily enrollment count was 31,848, just 35 students below projection. While an enrollment decline is not cause for celebration, it is what we expected and planned for, and it provides a baseline for where we go from here.

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  • Thank You for a Wonderful First Week

    (9.11.22) As I reflect on the first week of the new school year, I am filled with pride about how each and every one of you came together to prepare, pitch in and welcome our students, families and fellow staff back to school.

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  • It’s Going To Be a Great Year

    (8.28.22) We are days away from the beginning of the 2022-23 school year. Whether you are new to your school, new to the district or a longtime employee, I am so happy you are here.

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