Article #1
Introductory Comments:
The Case Against Renewing the Contract of
Minneapolis Public Schools Superintendent Ed
Graff
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
1
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.
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