Saint Paul, Minn.— The Saint Paul Public School Board announced today that it has come to a three-year contract agreement with Dr. Meria Carstarphen, who was chosen on March 28 to be the Saint Paul Public School District's next superintendent.

"We're very pleased we could come to an agreement," said Elona Street-Stewart, School Board Chairwoman. "We believe Dr. Carstarphen brings exactly the expertise and experience the district needs right now, it's a great fit. This is an investment in the future of the Saint Paul Public School District."

According to the terms of the contract, Dr. Carstarphen will have a starting salary of $175,000 per year and will start on July 31, 2006.

Dr. Carstarphen has already signed the contract, and the School Board will vote on it at a special board meeting on Friday, May 26 at 5:00 p.m at 360 Colborne St. The meeting is open to the public and the contract is available online at www.spps.org or at the front desk of the school district headquarters at 360 Colborne St.

For more information or to request a copy of the contract, please contact Rich Goldsmith at (651) 767-8104 or Rich.Goldsmith@spps.org