Dear colleagues,

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.

And build it, we will. Starting this fall, a new East African Elementary Magnet School will welcome PreK-5 families to Saint Paul Public Schools in the former Jackson Elementary building. One of the most important first steps is hiring staff, which is starting now during round two of the interview and selection process. Once this round ends, external applicants will be welcome to apply.

Another key decision is who will lead this new school. I am pleased to share that Dr. Abdisalam Adam, currently an assistant principal at Highland Senior High School, has been appointed as principal. Dr. Adam is highly respected as an educator and community leader, and I am confident that he will bring many new families to SPPS.

More information about this exciting addition to our district will be shared in the coming weeks and months. This is something our community has been asking for for a long time, and I am so proud to be taking this momentous step forward, together.

In Partnership,

Joe Gothard, Superintendent