We are pleased to announce that the SPPS Board of Education has selected Dr. Stacie Stanley as the preferred candidate for the next superintendent of Saint Paul Public Schools. 

Dr. Stanley brings strong leadership experience and expertise in building relationships with the community, improving student outcomes and enhancing equity in diverse school districts. As the most diverse and second-largest school district in Minnesota, SPPS needs a leader who understands the power of listening, collaborating, and delivering results for our students and the community. We are confident that Dr. Stanley has the vision and experience needed to move our district forward and ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Tonight’s decision concludes a six-month search process, supported by BWP & Associates, that involved extensive community input gathered through surveys, community meetings and group feedback sessions. We are grateful to the community for providing valuable feedback throughout the superintendent search.

The offer is contingent on contract negotiations between the Board and Dr. Stanley, with plans to finalize an agreement in January. Interim Superintendent Dr. John Thein will continue to serve in his current role and will offer support during Dr. Stanley’s transition. 

More information will be available after the superintendent’s contract is finalized. Thank you for your engagement throughout this process, and have a wonderful winter break.

Dr. Stacie Stanley is a mission-driven leader committed to student and community engagement and educational equity. As superintendent of Edina Public Schools, serving 8,600 students and over 1,300 staff, she led the district’s strategic plan to create accelerated student achievement across all demographic groups, including a comprehensive literacy plan.

Dr. Stanley previously served as an associate superintendent at Eden Prairie Schools and has held school and administrative leadership roles in Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191, Roseville Area Schools and East Metro Integration District. She is also the current president-elect of the Minnesota Association of School Administrators, the statewide organization of education leaders.

Dr. Stanley earned her bachelor’s degree in K-8 elementary education and her master’s in education at St. Catherine University and holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Bethel University.