Saint Paul Public Schools superintendent selects Chief Accountability Officer
Media Release
Office of Community Relations
Contact: Howie Padilla (651) 767-8104
November 16, 2007
Saint Paul, Minn – Superintendent Meria Carstarphen has named Michelle J. Walker as her choice to fill the district’s Chief Accountability Officer position.
The selection of Walker comes after a local and nationwide search that drew 34 candidates. She has a strong background in state and federal policy work, most recently serving as the Chief of Strategic Planning and Policy for District of Columbia Public Schools. She also has worked as a policy and budget analyst for the District of Columbia Office of Budget and Planning.
Walker’s experience will be critical as Saint Paul Public Schools works to promote the establishment of a growth model for Minnesota’s Testing and Accountability System. She became acquainted with Saint Paul as part of Carstarphen’s transition team when the superintendent first came to the district.
“I am pleased to have Michelle Walker joining our team,” Carstarphen said. “Her skills, experience and background are a great match not only for the position, but for our leadership team and the district as a whole as we enter into an era of shared accountability.”
Walker’s job duties will include implementing the district’s Accountability Framework, ensuring implementation of the Strategic Plan for Continued Excellence and overseeing the federal Title I program along with testing and assessment. She also will be responsible for aligning accountability programs for students, staff and schools.
“I am excited about joining the Saint Paul Public Schools team,” Walker said. “I am looking forward to working with my new colleagues to promote an environment of shared accountability for academic excellence and the elimination of achievement gaps."
The Board of Education will take action on Walker’s appointment at its regularly scheduled November 20 meeting.