MINNEAPOLIS — Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams will return to Minneapolis Public Schools, this time as the district’s next superintendent.

The board selected Dr. Sayles-Adams as its preferred candidate over Dr. Sonia Stewart, a deputy superintendent in Tennessee, during a meeting Friday after both candidates were interviewed earlier this week. Terms of her contract, including salary and start date, are still being negotiated.

“This is a full-circle moment for me,” said Sayles-Adams in a press release. “I began my career in education working as a teacher in North Minneapolis and that’s where I learned that strong schools make a strong community. I am honored and thank the School Board for their vote of confidence in my commitment to serve as the next superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools. I look forward to partnering with teachers, students, staff and the community to make sure every student gets the high-quality education they deserve.”

Dr. Sayles-Adams spent time in the Minneapolis district from 1996 to 2004 where she held various roles, including principal at the City Alternative High School, according to the district’s website. Following her time in Minneapolis, she spent eight years in Georgia where she served as a principal for a high school and two elementary schools. She returned to Minnesota in 2012, spending time in the St. Paul school district, including five years as the assistant superintendent, before becoming the superintendent at Eastern Carver County Schools in 2020.

“We are thrilled Dr. Sayles-Adams will lead Minneapolis Public Schools into the future and are excited about her deep educational experience, passion for lifting students up and proven track record of improving student performance at public schools,” said Board Chair Sharon El-Amin. “She will provide both a vision and a strategy for continued growth for every student at MPS regardless of their background or zip code.”

Dr. Sayles-Adams attended the University of Minnesota, where she got a Bachelor’s degree in political science and a Master’s in curriculum and instruction. She earned her administrative license from St. Mary’s University before getting an educational doctorate in education leadership from Minnesota State University-Mankato.

Former Superintendent Ed Graff left in June of 2022 after not extending his contract with the district. Rochelle Cox has filled in as the interim superintendent. 

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