The Cooptation of Irresponsible Minneapolis Public Schools Director Adriana Cerrillo

Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) Director Adriana Cerrillo once presented herself as a radical agitating for fundamental change in society in general and education in particularly.

But Cerrillo was quickly coopted by the education establishment and, beyond having become a major sell-out, is also given to some of the silliest statements since Bob Walser, whom Cerrillo replaced as representative for MPS Board of Education District 4. 

Among Cerrillo's most irresponsible statements are those citing certain schools with high percentages of Latina/Latino enrollment and those who lead them as "incredible." 

To understand the level of irresponsibility of Cerrillos's claims, consider the actual academic proficiency rates for the unlucky students who attend these failing schools: 

Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) Spring 2025 Results for Minneapolis Public Schools, Schools Often Mentioned Favorably by Minneapolis Public Schools Board of Education Director Adriana Cerrillo

 

     Math    Reading    Science 

Elementary                  

School

Emerson            30.7%    28.3%        11.7% 

Middle/K-8         Math  Reading      Science

Schools 

Andersen           22.2%  25.4%              7.9%

Ella Baker           9.6%  13.2%              2.7% 

Introduction to a Series >>>>> Lack of Substantive Academic Training Among School Site Principals in the Minneapolis Public Schools

As readers scroll on down to the articles in this series, note that, as typical among those who design or impart curriculum in the Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS)---  including Superintendent Lisa Sayles Adams, Deputy Superintendent Ty Thompson, Senior Academic Officer Lisa Sonnek, all of the associate superintendents, and the entire twenty-plus staff members in the MPS Department of Academic Core and Instruction---  school site principals lack substantive academic training in the key subject areas of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, history, government, geography, economics, literature, and the fine arts.

Many school site principals do not even have a bachelor's degree in one of these subject areas, and graduate degrees are overwhelmingly received from departments, schools, and colleges of education---  not in college or university departments representing one of the key disciplines. 

Article #1 In a Series >>>>> Lack of Substantive Academic Training Among School Site Principals in the Minneapolis Public Schools

Elementary Schools

 

Anishinabe Academy (PK-5) 

 

Laura Sullivan

 

Bancroft Elementary School (PK-5)

 

………………………………………………………………….

 

Armatage Elementary

 

Diego de Paz, Principal

 

M. Ed., Curriculum & Instruction

(University of Minnesota/Twin Cities)

 

B. A., Developmental and Child Psychology

(University of Minnesota/Twin Cities)

 

………………………………………………………………….

 

Barton Community School (K-5) 

 

Jeannette Sather, Principal

M.Ed., Teaching & Learning

(St. Mary’s University of Minnesota)

 

B. A., Elementary Education

(St. Cloud State University)

 

………………………………………………………………….

 

 

Bethune Elementary

 

La Tonya Overton, Principal

 

Ed.D., Educational Leadership & Administration/General

(Bethel University)

 

Ed.D., Organizational Leadership

(Grand Canyon University, May 2019-December 2022)

 

M.A., Curriculum & Instruction/Educational Leadership

(California State University/Chico, August 2007-May 2010)

 

MBA (Masters of Business Administration)

(University of Phoenix, 2001-2003)

 

B. S., Business Administration

(University of Phoenix, August 1998-January 2001)

 

………………………………………………………………….

 

 

Bryn Mawr Elementary School (PK-5)

 

Kevin Oldenburg, Principal

 

………………………………………………………………….

 

Burroughs Elementary School (K-5) 

 

Maggie Vecchio-Smith, Principal

 

Ph.D., Educational Leadership & Administration/General

(University of Minnesota/Twin Cities, 2007-2015)

 

B.A., Education & Government

(Smith College, 1995-1999)

 

………………………………………………………………….

 

Cityview Elementary School (PK-5) 

 

Renee Montague, Principal

 

B.S., Accounting & Mathematics

(Xavier University/Louisiana, 1985-1994)

 

………………………………………………………………….

 

Dowling Elementary School  

 

Kari Page, Principal

 

Education Specialist

(University of St. Thomas, 2011)

 

M.Ed., Special Education & Teaching

(St. Cloud State University, 1995-1999)

 

B.A., Elementary Education & Teaching

(University of Minnesota/Duluth, 1991-1995)

 

………………………………………………………………….

 

Ella Baker Global Studies and Humanities School (PK-8) 

 

Holly Kleppe, Principal

 

Ed.D., Organizational Leadership

(St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, 2009-2016)

 

M.Ed.

(St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, 1998-2002)

 

B.A., Elementary Education & Teaching

(Morningside College, 1990-1994)

 

………………………………………………………………….

 

Emerson Spanish Dual Language Elementary School (PK-5) 

 

Erik Hensel, Principal

………………………………………………………………….

 

Field Elementary School (3-5)

 

Katherine Gretsch, Principal

………………………………………………………………….

 

Folwell Elementary School (PK-5) 

 

Lacy Cannon, Principal 

………………………………………………………………….

 

Green Central Spanish Dual Language Elementary School (PK-5)

 

Ximena Rayo, Principal

 

M.Ed., Education/Industrial Technology

 

………………………………………………………………….

 

Hale Elementary School (K-2)

 

Steven Uhler, Principal

M.Ed.

(University of St. Thomas)

 

B.A., Parks, Recreation, and Leisure

 

M.Ed., Educational Leadership & Administration

(Northern Arizona State University)

 

B. S., Secondary Education & Mathematics

(Arizona State University, 2002-2006)

 

………………………………………………………………….

 

Hall STEM Academy (PK-5) 

 

Sherrill Lindsey, Principal

………………………………………………………………….

 

Hiawatha Elementary School: Hiawatha Campus (K-2) 

Hiawatha Elementary School: Howe Campus (3-5)

 

Mercedes Walker, Principal

M.Ed.

(Augsburg University, 2008-2011)

 

B.A., English

(Augsburg University, 2004-2007)

 

A.A., Urban Teaching Education Program

(2001-2004)

 

………………………………………………………………….

 

Hmong International Academy (PK-5)

 

Gao Xiong, Principal

M.A., Education

(Hamline, 2005-2007)

 

B. A., Secondary English Education

(University of Wisconsin/River Falls. 1997-2002)

 

………………………………………………………………….

 

Jenny Lind Elementary School (PK-5)

 

Pao Vue, Principal

 

………………………………………………………………….

 

Kenny Elementary School (K-5) 

 

Jessica Busse, Principal

Doctor of Arts

Minnesota State University/Mankato, July 2021-April 2024)

 

M.S., Curriculum & Instruction

(Arizona State University, 2007-2010)

 

………………………………………………………………….

 

Kenwood Elementary School (K-5) 

 

Heidi Johnson, Principal

 

J.D. (University of Minnesota/Twin Cities, 1997-2000)

 

B.A., Political Science

(Bates College, 1989-1993)

 

Ed. Specialist, Educational Leadership & K-12 Administrative Licensure

 

………………………………………………………………….

 

Lake Harriet Elementary School: Upper Campus (3-5)

 

Walter Schleisman, Principal

 

M.Ed. (University of Minnesota/Twin Cities)

 

M.A., Music & Economics Management

(Beloit)

 

 

Lake Harriet Elementary School: Lower Campus (K-2)

 

Angie Ness, Principal

 

Ed.D., Educational and Organizational Leadership/General

(Concordia University/St. Paul, September 2022-May 2026)

 

M.Ed., English Education

(University of Minnesota/Twin Cities, 1998-2000)

 

B.A., English

(University of Minnesota/Twin Cities, 1994-1997)

 

 

………………………………………………………………….

 

Lake Nokomis Elementary School: Keewaydin Campus (2-5)

 

Kristi Ward, Principal

 

Educational Specialist Degree, Educational Leadership & Admnistration/General

(2011-2013)

 

M.A., Educational Leadership & Administration

(2012-2014)

 

B.A., Special Education

(St. Cloud State University, 1991-1996)

 

………………………………………………………………….

 

Lake Nokomis Elementary School: Wenonah Campus (K-1)

 

Tara Fitzgerald-Bruestle, Principal

 

M.Ed., Mathematics Education

(University of St. Thomas, 2011-2013)

 

B.A., Mathematics & Spanish

(University of Wisconsin/La Crosse, August 1991-May 1996)

 

………………………………………………………………….

 

 

Las Estrellas Dual Language Elementary (PK-5)

 

Yajaira Guzman Carrero, Principal

 

M.Ed., Educational Leadership

(Minnesota State University/Mankato, 2014-2015)

 

B.A., Anthropology

(University of Puerto Rico/Rio Piedras, 1992-1997)

 

………………………………………………………………….

Loring Elementary School PK-5)

 

Al Pitt, Principal

………………………………………………………………….

 

Lucy Craft Laney Elementary School (PK-5)

 

Lisa Pawelak, Principal

………………………………………………………………….

 

Lyndale Elementary (PK-5) 

 

Meghan O’Connor-Fisher

 

………………………………………………………………….

 

Marcy Arts Elementary (PK-5)

 

Trinity Raw, Principal

M.Ed., School Leadership & Special Education/Autism

(Sierra Nevada College, 2010-2011)

 

M.Ed., Early Childhood Education

(University of Nevada/Las Vega, 2002-2007)

 

B.A., Art Education

(Bemidji State University, 1993-1997)

 

………………………………………………………………….

 

Nellie Stone Johnson Elementary School (PK-5)

 

Kelly Wright, Principal

………………………………………………………………….

 

Northrop Elementary School (K-5)

 

Andrew Uhler, Principal

 

Ph.D., Organizational Leadership and Policy Development

(University of Minnesota/Twin Cities, 2013-2014)

 

M.Ed., Social Studies Curriculum & Instruction

(University of St. Thomas, 2006-2008)

 

B.A., Secondary Social Studies Education

(University of St. Thomas, 1993-1996)

 

………………………………………………………………….

 

Pillsbury Elementary School (PK-5)

 

Jessica Skowronek, Principal

………………………………………………………………….

 

Pratt Elementary School (PK-5)

 

Justyn Burgess, Principal

 

 

M.Ed., Special Education & Teaching

(University of St. Mary’s/Minnesota, 2013-2016)

 

B.A., Kinesiology & Exercise Science

(Minnesota State University/Mankato, 2006-2010)

 

………………………………………………………………….

 

Seward Montessori School (PK-5)

 

Catherine Hoffman, Principal

 

M.Ed., Education

(Hamline University, 2008-2012)

 

B.A., Social Work

(College of St. Benedict, 1993-1997)

 

………………………………………………………………….

 

Waite Park Elementary School (PK-5)

 

Rochelle McGinness, Principal

 

Webster Elementary School (PK-5)

 

Robert Rand, Principal

 

MBA, Business Administration

(Minnesota School of Business, 2013-2014)

 

M.A., Curriculum & Instruction

(University of St. Thomas, 2006-2008)

 

B.A., K-6 Elementary Education & 5-8 Middle School Education/Science

(Bemidji State University, 1993-1997)

 

………………………………………………………………….

 

Whittier Elementary School (PK-5)

 

Anne Wagemaker, Principal

………………………………………………………………….

 

Windom

 

Eric Loichle, Principal

 

M.A., Mathematics Education

(University of Minnesota/Twin Cities, 1999-2001)

 

B.S., Environmental Science & Management

(Indiana University/Bloomington, 1992-1996)

 

Article #2 In a Series >>>>> Lack of Substantive Academic Training Among School Site Principals in the Minneapolis Public Schools

 Middle Schools

 

Andersen United Middle School (6-8)

 

Ray Aponte, Principal

………………………………………………………………….

 

Anthony Middle School

 

Mai Chang Vue, Principal

 

M.A., Educational Leadership & Admnistration

(Viterbo University, 2009-2012)

 

B.S., Art Education

(University of Wisconsin/La Crosse, 2001-2006)

 

………………………………………………………………….

 

Anwatin Middle School (6-8)

 

Nathan Hampton, Principal

………………………………………………………………….

 

Franklin STEAM Middle School (6-8) 

 

Heather Frye, Principal

 

Ed.D., Education

(Concordia University/St. Paul, 2025)

 

M.Ed., Educational Leadership & Administration/General

(Concordia University/St. Paul, 2013-2015)

 

B.S., Elementary Education & Teaching

(University of Minnesota/Duluth, 2005-2008)

 

B.A., Elementary Education & Teaching, 2003-2005

………………………………………………………………….

 

Justice Page Middle School (6-8)

 

Shannon Tenner, Principal

………………………………………………………………….

 

 

Northeast Middle (6-8)

 

Vernon Rowe, Principal

 

M.A., Human Development

(St. Mary’s University/Minnesota, 1999-20101

 

B.A., Secondary Education & Teaching

(University of Minnesota/Duluth, 2005-2008)

 

B.S., Economics

(University of Minnesota/Twin Cities, 1986-1992)

 

………………………………………………………………….

 

Olson Middle School (6-8)

 

William Campbell, Principal

………………………………………………………………….

 

Sanford Middle (6-8)

 

Naida Grussing-Neitzel, Principal

 

 

Educational Specialist Degree, Educational Leadership

 

M.A., Human Development

(University of St. Thomas)

 

M.A., Curriculum & Instruction

(University of St. Thomas, 2002-2004)

 

B.A., Special Education, American Racism & Multicultural Studies

(St. Olaf College, 1996-2000)

 

………………………………………………………………….

 

Sullivan STEAM Middle School (PK-8)

 

Jennifer Hedberg, Principal

Article #3 >>>>> Lack of Substantive Academic Training Among School Site Principals in the Minneapolis Public Schools

High Schools

 

Camden High School (9-12)

 

Liza Anderson Schmid, Principal

 

Educational Specialist Degree, Educational Leadership/K-12

(University of St. Thomas, 2010-2012)

 

M.A., Human Development

(University of St. Thomas)

 

M.A., Curriculum & Instruction

(University of St. Thomas, 2004-2007)

 

B.A., Biology/Earth Science

(Concordia University/St. Paul, 1992-1999)

 

………………………………………………………………….

 

 

Edison High School (9-12) 

 

Eryn Warne, Principal

 

M.A., Speech & Interpersonal Communications

(New York University, 2002-2004)

 

B.S., English & Theater

(St. Cloud State University, 1994-1999)

 

………………………………………………………………….

 

North High School (9-12)

 

Mauri Friestleben, Principal

M.Ed., Education

(St. Thomas University)

 

M.Ed., Journalism & Sociology

(St. Thomas University)

 

………………………………………………………………….

 

Roosevelt High School (9-12)

 

Christian Ledesma, Principal

 

………………………………………………………………….

 

South High School (9-12)

 

Ahmed Amin

 

M.S., Elementary Education & Teaching

(Pace University, 2002-2001)

 

B.A., Politics & Spanish-American Literature

(New York University, 1998-2002)

 

 

………………………………………………………………….

 

Southwest High School (9-12)

 

Edward Bennett, Principal

………………………………………………………………….

 

Washburn High School (9-12)

 

Emily Palmer, Principal

………………………………………………………………………………….

 

FAIR School for Arts (9-12)

 

Mary Pat Cumming, Principal

 

………………………………………………………………………………….

 

Heritage (9-12)

 

Isabel Rodriguez, Principal

 

Wellstone (9-12)

 

Isabel Rodriguez, Principal

Article #4 in a Series >>>>> Lack of Substantive Academic Training Among School Site Principals in the Minneapolis Public Schools

Early Childhood Sites

 

Early Childhood Special Education (Wilder)

 

Dr. Carissa Tebben, Director

Ed. D., Education

(St. Cloud State University)

 

………………………………………………………………………………….

………………………………………………………………………………….

 

Special Education Sites

 

Harrison Education Center (9-12)

 

Malvirce Edwards, Principal

 

M. A., Educational Leadership & Administration/General

(Minnesota State University/Mankato, 2017-2019)

 

………………………………………………………………………………….

 

River Bend Educational Center (K-8) 

 

Clint Whisler, Principal

 

M. Ed., Educational Leadership & Administration/General

(St. Cloud State University, 2014-2016)

 

B. A., Secondary Education & Teaching

(University of St. James)

………………………………………………………………………………….

 

 

Stadium View

 

Rhonda (Larkin) McIntosh, Principal

 

M. A., Teaching

(John F. Kennedy University, 1996)

 

B. A., Ethnic Studies  

(California State University/East Bay)

 

………………………………………………………………………………….

 

Transition Plus (ages 18-22)

 

Erin Jensen, Principal

 

Article #5 in a Series >>>>> Lack of Substantive Academic Training Among School Site Principals in the Minneapolis Public Schools

 Contract Alternative and Online Sites

 

 

Longfellow Alternative and TPS (7-12)

 

Christine Sanguinet, Principal

Education Specialist Degree

(University of St. Thomas, 2013-2015)

 

M.Ed., Education  

(The Evergreen State College, 1999-2001)

 

 

Master’s Thesis  >>>>>

 

“In Their Own Hands:  American Indian Education by and For American Indians

 

………………………………………………………………………………….

 

Metro Education Services (Hospital Agency/Metro C/Metro Wilder) (K-8)

 

Jason Backes, Principal

M.S., Occupational Therapy  

(University of New Hampshire, 2001-2008)

 

M.S, Occupational Therapy  

(University of Buffalo, 1987-1992)

 

………………………………………………………………………………….

 

Minneapolis Academy & Career Center (17-21)

 

Opal Ehalt, Director

 

Educational Specialist Degree, Educational Admminstration

(University of St. Thomas)

 

M.Ed., Curriculum & Instruction  

(University of St. Thomas, 2004-2006)

 

B.A, Language Arts Secondary Education  

(Bethel University, 1995-1999)

………………………………………………………………………………….

 

 

MPS Online School (K-12)

 

Jody Delau, Principal

 

M.S, Education  

 

B.S, Education  

 

(University of Minnesota/Twin Cities, 1989-2001)