• Welcome to Saint Paul Public Schools

    Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) is one of Minnesota's largest school districts with more than 39,000 students. Highly trained and deeply dedicated staff, cutting-edge academic programs, and strong community support are among the district’s hallmarks. Our student population is diverse, with students who speak more than 125 languages and dialects.

    Our Vision: Imagine every student inspired, challenged, and cared for by exceptional educators. Imagine your family welcomed, respected and valued by exceptional schools. Imagine our community united, strengthened, and prepared for an exceptional future. Saint Paul Public Schools: Where imagination meets destination.

    Our Mission: To provide a premier education for all.

    SPPS at a Glance

    Demographics

    More Student Demographics

    • Students speak more than 100 languages and dialects
    • Approximately 34% of students are English Language Learners
    • 16% of students require special education services
    • 72% of students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch

    Academics

    Four-year comprehensive graduate rate: 75%*

    • Graduation rates for Hispanic students have increased for seven consecutive years
    • Graduation rates for Black students have increased for four consecutive years
    • The SPPS graduation rate is higher than the state average for four student groups: Hispanic students, Black students, English Language Learners (ELL), and students receiving free/reduced lunch (FRL)
    MCA Reading scores up 2 percentage points from 2015
    MCA Science scores up 3 percentage points from 2015
    The percentage of 12th grade students taking the ACT increased from 57% in 2010 to 90% in 2015 

    * Does not include: AGAPE High School, Bridge View School, Focus Beyond, Gordon Parks High School, Journeys Secondary School and LEAP High School 

  • Leadership

    Dr. Gothard

    Dr. Joe Gothard
    Superintendent

    School Board members:

    • Jon Schumacher, Chair
    • Zuki Ellis, Vice Chair
    • Chue Vue, Director
    • Steve Marchese, Treasurer
    • John Brodrick, Director
    • Mary Vanderwert, Director
    • Jeanelle Foster, Director

    Cabinet members:

    • Jackie Turner, Chief Operations Officer
    • Dr. Kate Wilcox-Harris, Chief Academic Officer
    • Dr. Theresa Battle, Assistant Superintendent High Schools
    • Andrew Collins, Assistant Superintendent Elementary Schools
    • Lisa Sayles-Adams, Assistant Superintendent K-8 and Middle Schools
    • Efe Agbamu, Assistant Superintendent Elementary Schools
    • Marie Schrul, Chief Financial Officer
    • Mai Vang, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent

    Famous Alumni

    • Wendell Anderson, American Politician
    • Louie Anderson, Comedian
    • Herbert Paul Brooks, Hockey Player
    • Warren E. Burger, Chief Justice of the United States
    • Duane G. "Digger" Carey, Astronaut
    • Amelia Earhart, American Aviation Pioneer
    • Jawed Karim, YouTube Co-founder
    • Mint Condition, American R&B Band
    • Charles M. Schulz, American Cartoonist
    • Harold Stassen, Former Minnesota Governor
    • Dave Winfield, Baseball Player