Major Changes in the Composition of Leadership at the Minneapolis Public Schools, October 2018

Superintendent Ed Graff and his advisers have made major changes in the composition of leadership at the Minneapolis Public Schools. 

Already, as summer 2018 ensued and academic year 2018-2019 approached, Graff had decided not to replace Michael Thomas in the titular position that the latter had occupied prior to his departure for Colorado Springs:  Cecilia Saddler remained at the position of Deputy Chief of Academics, Leadership, and Learning, and for many months there was no indication as to what would happen with the Chief of Academics, Leadership, and Learning position that Thomas had formerly occupied.  Also notable by August 2018 was the departure of Laura Cavender and Lucilla Davila from their positions of associate superintendent;  Brian Zambreno joined Ron Wagner and Carla Steinbach at that position, as the number of associate superintendents was scaled down from four to three (at a savings  of $144,500).

Then two weeks age Graff tapped Eric Moore as new Chief of Academics, Research, and Accountability, with Moore combining his research and accountability role with the authority previously exercised by Thomas in the academic program of the district.

Now, three additional staff members have been designated MPS leaders, joining Graff, Saddler, Moore, Wagner, Steinbach, Zambreno, Chief of Finance Ibrahima Diop, Chief of Information Technology Fadi Fadhil, Chief of Human Resources Maggie Sullivan, Chief of Operations Karen DeVet, General Counsel Amy Moore, and Chief of Staff Suzanne Kelly:

Rochelle Cox has been designated a member of the top leadership as she continues to serve as Executive Director of Special Education and Health Services.

Muhidin Warfa now appears as a top leader in his position of English Learners and Global Education.

And Julie Schultz Brown is also listed in the top leadership by virtue of her role as Executive Director of Marketing and Communications.

As Graff began to make his adroit personnel decisions upon assuming the superintendent position on 1 July 2016, the chief of marketing and communications position was nixed (after a very short-term occupant of that position made a quick exit) and Chief of Staff Suzanne Kelly was given oversight of marketing and communications.  Brown’s position is now back on the list of leaders but not at the level of chief.  The positions occupied by Cox and Warfa have not, at least in the four years and more of my scrutiny, been heretofore listed among the top leaders.

Here is a presentation of the current (October 2018) leadership of the Minneapolis Public Schools, with job descriptions as given on the Leadership portal of the MPS webstie:

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. Deputy Chief of Academics, Leadership & Learning – Cecilia Saddler The Deputy 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. Chief of Academics and Accountability, Research and Equity– Eric Moore The Chief of Academics and Accountability, Research and Equity oversees two departments responsible for ensuring that both academic and student supports are aligned to school needs, that equity is embedded in all academic divisional processes, and that identified district priorities (including equity, literacy, Multi-tiered Systems of Support and Social and Emotional Learning) are clearly articulated and monitored. The Chief provides MPS executives with decision-support through data analysis and interpretation and assures programs are in compliance with Federal, state, and local laws. Chief Financial Officer – Ibrahima 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.
Chief Human Resources Officer – Maggie Sullivan The Chief Human Resources Officer provides leadership for the full scope of functions provided by the Human Resources (HR) Division, including staffing, workforce planning, talent management, compensation, employee & labor relations, equal employment opportunity, benefits, risk management and insurance, professional development, and organizational change; provides advice and counsel on HR issues, interprets bargaining agreements, develops policies and procedures, manages division budgets and functions, and develops MPS human capital strategy to enhance organizational effectiveness.
Chief Information Officer – Fadi Fadhil 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.
Chief Operations Officer – Karen Devet  The chief operating officer executes the operational priorities of the school district, providing leadership, direction and guidance in operational strategies. The chief oversees key operational functions of the school district including transportation, nutrition services, safety and security, capital planning and construction, maintenance and operations
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. 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. Associate Superintendent – Carla Steinbach  The associate superintendent is responsible for creating and modeling a culture of high expectations and providing ongoing support and oversight to school building leaders. The associate superintendent works with school communities to create the necessary conditions that result in dramatic and accelerated student achievement, closing the achievement gap and improving overall school performance. Schools served: Anthony, Anwatin, Edison, Fair, Field, Franklin, Henry, Heritage, Justice Page, Longfellow, North, Northeast Middle School, Olson, Roosevelt, Sanford, South, Southwest, Washburn, Wellstone. Associate Superintendent – Ron Wagner  The associate superintendent is responsible for creating and modeling a culture of high expectations and providing ongoing support and oversight to school building leaders. The associate superintendent works with school communities to create the necessary conditions that result in dramatic and accelerated student achievement, closing the achievement gap and improving overall school performance. Schools served: Andersen, Anishinabe, Bethune, Bryn Mawr, Burroughs, Green Central, Hale, Hall, Jefferson, Jenny Lind, Kenny, Kenwood, Loring, Lucy Laney, Lyndale, Nellie Stone Johnson, Northrop, Pratt, Sullivan, Waite Park
Associate Superintendent – Brian Zambreno  The associate superintendent is responsible for creating and modeling a culture of high expectations and providing ongoing support and oversight to school building leaders. The associate superintendent works with school communities to create the necessary conditions that result in dramatic and accelerated student achievement, closing the achievement gap and improving overall school performance. Schools served: Armatage, Bancroft, Barton, Cityview, Dowling, Emerson, Folwell, Hiawatha, Hmong International Academy, Howe, Keewaydin, Lake Harriet Lower, Lake Harriet Upper, Marcy, Pillsbury, Seward, Sheridan, Webster, Wenonah, Whittier, Windom.
Executive Director of Special Education & Health – Rochelle Cox  The Executive Director of Special Education and Health Services provides leadership, direction and guidance to school leaders and department staff. The Executive Director oversees the following academic areas: special education, health services, Section 504 services, school based mental health services, tuition billing, and homebound services.  The Executive Director also supervises and supports a portfolio of special sites including Federal Setting IV programs, Birth to Transition Plus programs and Care and Treatment programs.  Executive Director of English Learners & Global Education – Muhidin Warfa  The Executive Director of English Learners and Global Education directs the Multilingual and Global Education department operations to maintain an effective and efficient EL/Global Studies program and assures the effective allocation and utilization of resources. The Executive Director provides leadership, oversight, and accountability to the implementation of the English Learner and bilingual student education policies and programs and assures the consistent interpretation and application of Federal, State and MPS rules and regulations
Executive Director of Marketing and Communications  – Julie Schultz Brown Marketing and Communications is responsible for providing timely, accurate, relevant information to help families, staff and the community support student success. Housed within the larger Communications, Engagement & External Relations division, the marketing and communications function comprises internal and external communications, branding, media relations, digital and social media, graphic design, and translations/interpretations