Minneapolis Public Schools Superintendent Ed Graff's Changes in Leadership Staff and Structure Cannot Succeed in the Absence of the Needed Shift in Educational Philosophy

In the course of his first few months on the job as Superintendent of the Minneapolis Public Schools  (MPS), Ed Graff reviewed the structure and composition of top leadership at MPS and by November 2016 was making a few notable changes. 

 

At the November monthly meeting of the MPS Board of Education, I first noticed that Chief Academic Officer Suzanne Griffin was not at the table of top leaders who generally line the west wall in the room at the Davis Center (1250 West Broadway, location of the central offices of MPS) during those meetings.  Ms. Griffin had for the three years of her tenure as Chief Academic Officer sat with the other key leaders, who for many months had included Michael Thomas (Chief of Schools), Ibrahim Diop (Chief Financial Officer), and Amy Moore (General Counsel).

 

The reason for Ms. Griffin’s absence, I found out in ensuing days, was that she had been downgraded to Deputy Chief Academic Officer.  At the same time, Michael Thomas was elevated to a position with the long title of Academics, Leadership & Learning, taking on additional responsibility for overall academic development of students and for clear communication of the academic program at MPS to administrative and teaching staff.

 

For several months, the positions of Chief of Operations and Chief of Staff had been left vacant via the departure of former occupants;  this remains the case with the Chief of Operations, but as of early November the Chief of Staff position was given to Suzanne Kelly.

 

These staff changes that have occurred during the opening months of Ed Graff’s tenure as MPS Superintendent are reflected in the list currently given on the MPS website under leadership.  According to the best information available to me, former Director of Research, Evaluation, Assessment, and Accountability (REAA) Eric Moore has been upgraded to a position now identified as Chief of Research, Evaluation, Assessment, and Accountability (REA).  Graff’s goal is to redesign the leadership system to emphasize the paramount importance of certain positions bearing the name “Chief” at the beginning of the title, the occupants of which will be Graff’s key advisers and policy implementers.

 

In articles to come, I will discuss the leadership positions given below and the occupants of those positions.  For now,

 

>>>>>    note that the most talented members of the leadership group given below are Michael Thomas , Eric Moore, Ibrahim Diop, and Fadi Hadhil;

 

 >>>>>   be aware that in forthcoming articles I will explain why the positions occupied by Stephen Flisk (Deputy Chief of Schools) and Suzanne Kelly (Chief of Staff) should be eliminated; 

 

>>>>>    and why Suzanne Griffin, though she possesses expertise in speech disorders and an understanding of other learning challenges that can be utilized by the Minneapolis Public Schools, is not suitable as an occupant of a position identified with responsibility for the design and implementation of the overall academic program of the school district.

 

Know also that Ed Graff is unlikely in the extreme to be the transformative superintendent needed to overall thoroughly the educational philosophy and academic redesign of the Minneapolis Public Schools.  The lack of a clear guiding educational philosophy for the Minneapolis Public Schools indeed will undercut any potential advantages that could come from the elevations of Michael Thomas and Eric Moore to enhanced positions of top leadership.

These are grave problems, so stay attentive to these identified in the above discussion as matters that I will discuss in more detail in looming articles.

 

In the meantime, with consideration of my notes on recent changes, do know that this is the current leadership given as of late December 2016 on the MPS website:         

 

Superintendent  -----  Ed Graff

The superintendent of schools is responsible for leading all functions and processes for the school district. The superintendent is charged with working with all internal and external stakeholders to implement and execute core strategies that produce results across the school district. The superintendent sets the academic priorities of the school district and serves as the primary decision-maker and spokesperson for Minneapolis Public Schools.

Chief of Academics, Leadership, & Learning  -----  Michael Thomas

The chief of academics, leadership and learning manages operational connections to support associate superintendents, principals and teaching staff in accelerating student achievement and overall school improvement that is aligned to the core values and academic goals of Acceleration 2020.

Deputy Chief of Schools  -----  Stephen Flisk

The deputy chief of schools supports operational connections to support associate superintendents, principals and teaching staff in accelerating student achievement and overall school improvement that is aligned to the core values and academic goals of Acceleration 2020.

Chief Operations Officer  -----  Vacant

The chief operations officer executes the operational priorities of the school district. The chief oversees key operational functions of the school district including instructional technology, facilities and operations.

Chief Financial Officer  -----  Ibrahim Diop

The chief financial officer leads the division of Finance, which is responsible for the overall fiscal management of the district. The chief provides leadership, direction and guidance in financial strategies and priorities. The Finance division umbrella includes Accounts Payable, Budget, Payroll, Purchasing, and Student Accounting Departments. Some of the responsibilities covered in these departments are monies for student-generated revenue, legislative allocations, budget accountability, annual budget tie-out process, fiscal auditing as well as grants management.

Deputy Chief Academic Officer Officer  -----  Susanne Griffin

The deputy chief academic officer oversees the academic division and implements the academic agenda to provide world-class education for all MPS students. Areas of focus include accelerated academic achievement for all students, shared accountability for student learning, professional development for teachers and principals and respectful and welcoming school environments.

Chief Information Officer  -----  Fadi Hadhil

The chief information officer is responsible for the Information Technology strategy, computer systems, infrastructure, operations and deploying solutions that align with the district goals and objectives. Areas of focus include innovative use of technology to enhance, accelerate and transform student learning and academic achievement.

General Counsel  -----  Amy Moore

The general counsel provides advice and counsel for the school board and MPS executive management on legal matters concerning the school district. The general counsel represents the school district in legal proceedings, litigation, court appearances, hearings and other disputes. The school district’s lead attorney also manages staff and contract attorneys and oversees policy development for the school district. The general counsel reports to the superintendent and school board.

Chief of Staff  -----  Suzanne Kelly

The chief of staff advises and supports the superintendent on day-to-day matters and creates a culture of high expectations that result in accelerated student achievement and improved school performance. The chief serves as a liaison between the superintendent and elected officials, stakeholders and MPS families.