Welcome to the Saint Paul Public Schools Innovation Office

MISSION

The mission of the Innovation Office is to advance strategic thinking, planning and decision-making across Saint Paul Public Schools.

STRATEGIC FUNCTIONS

We provide the Saint Paul Public Schools community with comprehensive strategic planning, fund development, project management and grant oversight services and infrastructure to meet our organizational mission to inspire students to think critically, pursue their dreams and change the world.

Support the implementation and monitoring of strategically aligned initiatives

Cultivate new financial and in-kind resources to achieve our district’s strategic vision

Manage special projects for district departments within determined scope, timeline and budget

Oversee school and department competitive grant execution to ensure compliance with funder, local, state and federal regulations

TEAM VALUES

The Innovation Office is committed to leading with our values of active communication, curiosity, respect, innovation and integrity. These values guide how we engage with ourselves, each other and our clients.

Active Communication: We listen for understanding and are committed to strong follow up and follow through

Curiosity: We embrace the unknown, lead with a desire to learn, and welcome new ideas and voices

Respect: We acknowledge and affirm multiple perspectives and seek out those that are missing

Innovation: We are dedicated to improvement and leveraging new and creative ways to achieve meaningful results

Integrity: We hold ourselves and others accountable and assess our impact to expose where we may be causing harm

AREAS OF OVERSIGHT

American Rescue Plan (ARP) ARP is the last of the federal funding allotments provided to school districts during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The Innovation Office is responsible for supporting the investments being made to support students, families and teachers.

Project Management The Innovation Office leads, plans and monitors the work of a team to achieve all project goals within the given constraints outlined in the project plan, ensuring project outcomes are sustainable and tied to moving the strategic plan forward.

Strategic Plan The SPPS Achieves Strategic Plan is shaped through six long-term student outcomes and strategic focus areas that the district has established to bring positive change in student achievement and improve long-term student outcomes.

Grants & Fund Development The Innovation Office supports staff through all stages of the grants process, from application to closeout, ensuring all grant activities are in compliance with funder requirements, state/federal regulations, and internal SPPS policy.

Contact the Innovation Office

651-744-6855
For general inquiries, email maria.vincent@spps.org.

Link to Staff Directory