As I near the end of my first year as superintendent, I have been reflecting on the work we have done together. On behalf of Minneapolis Public Schools, I want to thank our families, staff and community members for their involvement and dedication to education. I am proud to be a member of a community with a strong tradition of volunteerism and social responsibility.

Every child who enters our school doors is an individual with a unique set of life experiences, talents, skills and challenges. I strongly believe that every child deserves our fullest and most intentional support in helping him or her achieve success in school, as well as in life. To do this, our schools must be places where all children feel and believe their surroundings are safe, welcoming and supportive.

Under the proposed legislation, we would need to cut up to $27 million from our current budget. We have worked diligently to build a system of sustainable financial management. Cuts of this magnitude fly in the face of our efforts on behalf of our students, families and Minneapolis residents.

Late in the month of March, both the House and Senate education committees approved legislation that will deal devastating blows to city schools by divesting state support for low-income learners while simultaneously raising property taxes in our three cities. Why would the legislature turn its back on its population centers? We have the potential to produce exceptional talent that will make Minnesota a global leader. This education policy will not successfully bring us to 2050 with a diverse work force ready to innovate and lead.

Kindergarten reading has been a personal focus of mine, as I dedicated my work this school year to the 3,100 college bound kindergarten students. I am pleased to announce that over 60% of kindergarten students achieved or exceeded my ambitious goal.

Walking in the front door of Burroughs was a memorable event. The music teacher stood in the hallway playing for the students as they arrived and it was a wonderful welcome for students and parents, who really enjoyed listening to him play

Last month, I was given the opportunity to participate in a series of Young People’s Concerts presented by the Minnesota Orchestra. They invited me to narrate a popular story, “Tubby the Tuba,” as they filled Orchestra Hall with the beautiful sound of music. 

I get excited when I see creativity and innovation in our classrooms. There was one activity in particular that really caught my attention during my visit to Kenwood. 

Click below to see the video of the Soup with the Supe event at Sanford Middle School.

Everywhere I went, I saw teachers supporting truly engaged students. The sight in one classroom gave me goosebumps because it epitomized so completely the type of learning we want to see. 

What I observed at Loring is a focused attention on strong transitions between subjects within classrooms—I noticed this school-wide.

With the new year beginning, I was especially excited to get back into our schools and see the enthusiasm of our students. It is so important to jump back into the routines that were established during the first part of the school year. It was clear that Sheridan staff set forth to do just that.

We value the dedication that our families have to our schools and students and we are always looking for ways to strengthen that connection. Three times a year, we hold conferences with our families and their children to check in on each student’s academic progress. 

You may be wondering what I am doing to ensure that the Minneapolis Public Schools are focused on good teaching and that student achievement is at the forefront of our daily work. I am giving my time to schools.

My focus at Cityview was to visit the lower grades, including Kindergarten. In several classrooms, I saw teachers working with their students and using every opportunity to reinforce concepts and ideals that students need to know regardless of subject area

From the moment walked into Andersen Elementary I felt uplifted and welcomed. It is clear that a positive and inviting school culture has been established for students, families and school staff in the building and in classrooms

My visit to Ramsey International Fine Arts Elementary School was my 4th Homeroom with Superintendent Johnson. Ramsey has a late start, so I began my visit interacting with staff and sharing what I observed during previous visits to the school.

Today I visited two schools, Anne Sullivan and Anishinabe. These two schools are unique in that they are co-located in one building. I can tell this model works for these schools—we have two leaders who are committed to collaborating!

Last week I completed my first Homeroom with Superintendent Johnson. The first stop on my tour—Elizabeth Hall International Elementary School. This was a special visit for me because this is the first school where I served as a principal. I think back to those times and still feel a strong connection to Elizabeth Hall and the community it serves.

As school starts in the Minneapolis Public Schools, we are doing something extra this year. With the support of the city’s Youth Coordinating Board and our many community partners, we are sending a message to young people who haven’t finished school: We Want You Back.

 Before I knew it, all of the students in Ms. Gwen Lyon’s kindergarten class at Seward Montessori were as enthusiastic as I was about my goal to have all kindergartners reading before winter break.

We are busy preparing to welcome students in grades 1-12 back to school on August 30 and welcome our new kindergarten students on September 1.

As your new Superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools, I am extremely hopeful for the future and excited to lead our efforts to raise academic achievement for all students.