The Search for a Superintendent

The Board of Education for Saint Paul Public Schools conducted a nationwide search for a new leader over the 2016-17 school year.

During this period, Dr. John Thein served as the interim superintendent. Dr. Thein replaced Valeria S. Silva -- who served as superintendent for the last seven years of her 30-year career in the district.

In April 2017, the Board selected Dr. Joe Gothard to be the Superintendent of SPPS effective July 1, 2017.

Updates

Board of Education Selects Dr. Joe Gothard as Superintendent

The Saint Paul Public Schools Board of Education is happy to announce that it has named Dr. Joseph Gothard to become the superintendent of schools effective July 1, 2017.

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APRIL 25, 2017: SPPS Board of Education Reaches Verbal Agreement with New Superintendent

The Saint Paul Public Schools Board of Education is happy to announce that it has reached a verbal agreement with Dr. Joseph Gothard to become the next superintendent.

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APRIL 11, 2017: SPPS Names Dr. Joe Gothard as Preferred Superintendent Candidate

During a special Board of Education meeting on April 11, the Board selected Dr. Joe Gothard as their preferred candidate for superintendent of Saint Paul Public Schools.

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VIDEO

View videos of recent public meetings related to the superintendent search.

SURVEY

All surveys are now closed. The feedback will help the Board choose the right finalists and, ultimately, the next superintendent.

FEEDBACK RESULTS

Saint Paul Public Schools has completed its first phase of gathering community feedback. Review the results from multiple community meetings and a recent survey.

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

Four community meetings were held in December and January to gather feedback. Results from those meetings are available here.

SEARCH FIRM

The Board of Education has hired Ray and Associates Inc. to conduct the search for a new superintendent.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Learn more about the process to search for a new superintendent.

TIMELINE

The process to search for a new superintendent began on Oct. 18, 2016 and is expected to continue through June 30, 2017.

DESIGN TEAM

The design team is a small committee of people who represent a wide variety of stakeholders. They have created a community engagement plan to gather as much input as possible.