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LEARN MORE
Learn more about the role of the School Board within the district.
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ZUKI ELLIS | ChairZuki Ellis joined the Board in 2016. She and her husband, Greg, live in the Midway area with their three sons, the youngest of whom attends Saint Paul Public Schools. A longtime supporter of SPPS, Zuki attended and graduated from Webster Magnet and Highland Park Middle & Senior High Schools. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, reading, and discovering the world through the eyes of her youngest son. In addition to serving as a member of the Board, Zuki is a Parent Trainer with the National Parent Teacher Home Visits program. She believes the pressing concerns for the upcoming year are Special Education, parent understanding of the process, partnerships that exist in the best interests of our students, and the legal and moral responsibilities to support our students. She is also excited for SEAB and the Board to work together on district-wide issues. As a lifelong citizen of Saint Paul, she wants to give back, support, challenge, fight for, and lead the community that has helped to raise and shape her life, as well as the lives of all the students of the district.
Zuki.Ellis@spps.org | 651-328-1443
Term: 1/2016 - 12/2019
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STEVEN MARCHESE | Vice ChairSteve Marchese joined the School Board in 2016. He and his wife, Jodi, live in the Summit-University area of Saint Paul with their 2 sons, both students of SPPS, and dog, Isabella. In his free time, Steve enjoys exercising at the local Y, biking, classic cars, old-school R&B, and reading. In addition to serving as a Board Member, he works as a lawyer for the Minnesota State Bar Association as the director of pro bono. He was inspired to join the Board by seeing the need for engaged voices who will listen and bring independent thinking to the Board’s work, as well as a need to focus on equity and achievement for all students. Steve aims to help the Board be strategic and thoughtful in its actions, while focusing on equity in decision-making. Steve believes diversity in the district is its greatest strength – both in our student body and educational programming, as well as our dedicated teachers and staff.
Steven.Marchese@spps.org | 651-468-5440
Term: 1/2016 - 12/2019
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JEANELLE FOSTER | ClerkJeanelle Foster joined the Saint Paul School Board in November 2016. She is a longstanding advocate for Saint Paul Public Schools - both as a proud graduate of Highland Park and a proud parent and aunt of students who are currently enrolled or have graduated from the district. Jeanelle lives in the Dayton’s Bluff area and is close to her family of two children, their spouses, a granddaughter, sister, and sister-in-law. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, and family game nights. In addition to serving on the Board, Jeanelle is an Educator/Parent Educator. She was inspired to join the Board by her interest in parent/family engagement, equity/achievement, early childhood, and special education. Her favorite aspect of Saint Paul Public Schools is the diversity of all students and staff.
Jeanelle.Foster@spps.org | 763-760-2676
Term: 1/2018 - 12/2021
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MARNY XIONG | TreasurerMarny Xiong joined the Board in 2018. She lives in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood and is close to her family, including her parents, two sisters, five brothers, brother-in-law, and nieces and nephews. A lifelong Saint Paul resident, Marny is a proud graduate of Saint Paul Public Schools. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, going to movies, and spending time with her family and friends. With her background in community and grassroots organizing and experience as a school business manager in Minneapolis Public Schools, Marny aims to ensure families are authentically engaged on policies and processes so that all SPPS students are ready to succeed after graduation. She believes that as a district, we need to uplift all students equitably with services, support, and policies that are culturally relevant, engaging, and inclusive. She was encouraged to join the Board to ensure that all students and families feel welcome and supported in our schools while striving to be part of the change to build SPPS to reflect the values of our richly diverse community. As a board member, Marny is invested in the future of SPPS because it was through the support of her parents and teachers that she was able to achieve her hopes and dreams, and she aspires to bring that same experience to all students.
Marny.Xiong@spps.org | 651-428-8645
Term: 1/2018 - 12/2021
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JOHN BRODRICK | DirectorJohn Brodrick joined the Saint Paul School Board in 2002, and was re-elected in 2006, 2010, and 2014. As a graduate of Mechanic Arts High School in 1961, John is a lifelong supporter of Saint Paul Public Schools. His two daughters graduated from Como Park High School, and he is a retired teacher and coach of the district. He enjoys spending time with his daughters, son-in-laws, and grandsons in his free time. His fellow teachers encouraged him to bring his wealth of knowledge and experience to the Board of Education. Seen as the historian to the Board, John aims to maintain a culture of family for the district. He admires the people of Saint Paul Public Schools and their goal of a premier education for all students of the district.
John.Brodrick@spps.org | 651-645-7500
Term: 1/2018 - 12/2021
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JON SCHUMACHER | DirectorJon Schumacher joined the Saint Paul School Board in 2016. He has been involved with the school district for the past 25 years. He and his wife, Mary, live in the St. Anthony Park neighborhood and have two daughters – both graduates of Como Park High School. In his free time, Jon enjoys being outdoors and spending time with his family and friends. Along with serving as Treasurer, Jon works as a non-profit administrator and corporate creative consultant. Jon aims to bring his experience and insight to policies, partnerships, and strategic planning in the district. Encouragement to join the Board arose from his friends, family and “interest in service to our most important assets – our children.”
Jon.Schumacher@spps.org | 612-719-5250
Term: 1/2016 - 12/2019
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MARY VANDERWERT | DirectorMary Vanderwert joined the School Board in 2016. She has 3 grown children, all of whom graduated from Saint Paul Public Schools, and lives in the Midway area. In her free time, Mary enjoys quilting, making mosaic art, entertaining, gardening, walking, and community organizing. As program manager for America’s ToothFairy’s Oral Health Zone, she works to promote the importance of oral health in all the children of Minnesota. She aims to bring her experience and insight in early childhood education, achievement, mental and physical health, and family engagement to the district. Her favorite aspects of Saint Paul Public Schools include the variety of educational models, the engaged parents of our students, and the amazingly dedicated teachers and administrators.
Mary.Vanderwert@spps.org | 651-431-8626
Term: 1/2016 - 12/2019
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EMAIL THE BOARD
Contact the school board's group email at sb.members@spps.org. When using this email, the message will go directly to all school board members.
