Superintendent's Office

On May 20, 2024, Dr. John Thein became interim superintendent of Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS). He is the educational leader of the school district, which serves approximately 33,000 PreK-12 students and employs over 6,000 staff. SPPS is the second-largest and most diverse school district in Minnesota, with students who speak more than 100 languages and 70% of whom are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.

Thein will serve as interim superintendent during the 2024-25 school year until the SPPS Board of Education hires the next long-term superintendent. He previously served as interim superintendent for Saint Paul Public Schools in 2016-17.

During his tenure, Thein will focus on building long-term student outcomes and laying the foundation for the next chapter of SPPS. His main priorities include creating safe and secure environments, fostering successful learners, ensuring sound financial management, and assisting the Board of Education with the superintendent search.

Previous Experience:

• Superintendent of Schools, ROCORI Public Schools, Cold Spring, Minn.
• Director of Operations, Stillwater Public Schools, Stillwater Minn.
• Superintendent of Schools, Saint Paul Public Schools, St. Paul, Minn.
• Superintendent of Schools, Roseville Area Schools, Roseville, Minn.
• Deputy Superintendent of Schools, Roseville Area Schools, Roseville, Minn.
• Acting Superintendent of Schools, East Metro Integration District, Maplewood, Minn.
• Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Wahpeton Public Schools, Wahpeton, N. Dak.
• Publisher, Osakis Review, Osakis, Minn.
• Teacher, Osakis Public Schools, Osakis, Minn.

Thein received his bachelor's in Business Education from Mayville State University, a master's and specialist degree in Educational Administration from North Dakota Sate University, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Thomas.