Article #1 in a Series >>>>> An Examination of the Ed Graff Record in Understanding Why He Does Not Deserve a Second Contract as Superintendent of the Minneapolis Public Schools

In this article I begin a series in which I examine the record of Ed Graff, conveying to readers why he does not deserve a second contract as superintendent of the Minneapolis Public Schools.

Other than that opening subjective statement, though, I will for the first articles in the series offer my readers strictly objective information from Ed Graff’s record as to credentials;  tenure in several capacities for the Anchorage, Alaska, schools;  and performance in the course of the two years and seven months that Graff has served as superintendent for the Minneapolis Public Schools.

I challenge my readers to consider why I would examine the record provided and recommend strongly against reappointment.  I surmise that for many readers this exercise may prove difficult, inasmuch as to those who do not understand the nature of credentials acquisition for professional positioning in locally centralized school systems, there may well be items in the Graff record that look appealing but are in fact distinct negatives.  Readers who have truly sought to go deeply with me over the course of the nearly 1,000 articles on this blog will most likely draw the same conclusions as have I.

Whichever sort of reader you are, please now begin your examination of the facts pertinent to the record of Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) Superintendent Ed Graff;  I begin with Graff’s academic preparation and the biography that he provided when he sought the MPS superintendent position, still posted on the MPS website:

Academic and Professional Credentials

For MPS Superintendent Ed Graff

 

Ed Graff               (MPS Superintendent)

 

Degrees Earned                Institution at Which

     Degree Was Earned

 

M. A., Education              University of Southern Mississippi

Administration                

 

This M.A. in Education Administration from University of Southern Mississippi is

an online degree.

 

B. A., Elementary             University of Alaska, Anchorage

Education                                           

 

Professional Biographical Sketch Provided by

MPS Superintendent Ed Graff Himself

 

Ed Graff is the Superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools. 

 

Previously he served as the superintendent of the Anchorage School District, one of the nation's 100 largest school districts. Mr. Graff is dedicated to doing what is best for all students collectively while still meeting the needs of each individual.

 

Throughout Mr. Graff’s 25 years as an educator, the best interest of students has remained his top priority in order to ensure each has the opportunity for a well-rounded, enriching school experience along with the support needed to reach his or her potential.

 

Mr. Graff began his teaching career in 1991 at an elementary school in Anchorage, Alaska. He went on to become a school principal, executive director of Elementary Education, chief academic officer and was appointed superintendent of ASD in 2013.

 

He has led implementation of the Anchorage School District’s comprehensive strategic plan, expanded districtwide differentiated learning opportunities, increased preschool and literacy efforts, facilitated collaboration with more than 600 business partners and provided proven supervision and accountability for student instruction and business management.

 

Mr. Graff believes commitment and focused efforts will ensure the district is supporting students first, maintaining a focus in the classroom and working hard to create high expectations for everyone.

 

Originally from Minnesota, Mr. Graff holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Alaska Anchorage, and a Master's Degree in Education Administration from University of Southern Mississippi. He has post-masters coursework in curriculum, educational leadership and instruction.

 

Mr. Graff has served on several boards and professional organizations. In 2016, he was presented the Exemplary Social and Emotional Leadership Award from the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning. The award, demonstrating Mr. Graff’s leadership and vision for Social and Emotional Learning, had only been given twice before.

 

He is married to Michelle Prince, an elementary school principal. They have one son.