The superintendent of schools is responsible for leading all functions and processes for the school district. The superintendent is charged with working with all internal and external stakeholders to implement and execute core strategies that produce results across the school district. The superintendent sets the academic priorities of the school district and serves as the primary decision-maker and spokesperson for Minneapolis Public Schools.
Senior Academic Officer – Aimee Fearing (interim)
The Senior Academic Officer serves as the instructional leader for the District; provides leadership and accountability for the District’s academic services, as well as academic performance of all schools; drives the educational performance of the District; provides leadership, vision, and strategic direction for the District’s curriculum, instruction and PK-12 academic programming; oversees professional development for all teachers and principals; and, supports the academic management of schools in collaboration with Associate Superintendents.
The Senior Accountability, Research and Equity Officer oversees departments responsible for ensuring that both academic and student supports are aligned to school needs, that equity is embedded in all processes, and that identified district priorities (including equity, literacy, Multi-tiered Systems of Support and Social and Emotional Learning) are clearly articulated and monitored. The Senior Officer provides MPS executives with decision-support through data analysis and interpretation and assures programs are in compliance with Federal, state, and local laws.
The Senior Finance Officer leads the division of Finance, which is responsible for the overall fiscal management of the district. The Senior Officer provides leadership, direction and guidance in financial strategies and priorities. The Finance division umbrella includes Accounts Payable, Budget, Payroll, Purchasing, and Student Accounting Departments. Some of the responsibilities covered in these departments are monies for student-generated revenue, legislative allocations, budget accountability, annual budget tie-out process, fiscal auditing as well as grants management.
The Senior Human Resources Officer provides leadership for the full scope of functions provided by the Human Resources (HR) Division, including staffing, workforce planning, talent management, compensation, employee & labor relations, equal employment opportunity, benefits, risk management and insurance, professional development, and organizational change; provides advice and counsel on HR issues, interprets bargaining agreements, develops policies and procedures, manages division budgets and functions, and develops MPS human capital strategy to enhance organizational effectiveness.
The Senior Information Officer is responsible for the Information Technology strategy, computer systems, infrastructure, operations and deploying solutions that align with the district goals and objectives. Areas of focus include innovative use of technology to enhance, accelerate and transform student learning and academic achievement.
The Senior Operating Officer executes the operational priorities of the school district, providing leadership, direction and guidance in operational strategies. The Senior Officer oversees key operational functions of the school district including transportation, nutrition services, safety and security, capital planning and construction, maintenance and operations.
Executive Officer, Office of the Superintendent – Suzanne Kelly
The Executive Officer, Office of the Superintendent, advises and supports the superintendent on day-to-day matters and creates a culture of high expectations that result in accelerated student achievement and improved school performance. The Executive Officer serves as a liaison between the superintendent and elected officials, stakeholders and MPS families.
The general counsel provides advice and counsel for the school board and MPS executive management on legal matters concerning the school district. The general counsel represents the school district in legal proceedings, litigation, court appearances, hearings and other disputes. The school district’s lead attorney also manages staff and contract attorneys and oversees policy development for the school district. The general counsel reports to the superintendent and school board.
Associate Superintendent – Shawn Harris-Berry
The associate superintendent is responsible for creating and modeling a culture of high expectations and providing ongoing support and oversight to school building leaders. The associate superintendent works with school communities to create the necessary conditions that result in dramatic and accelerated student achievement, closing the achievement gap and improving overall school performance. Schools served: Edison, FAIR, Henry, Heritage, Longfellow, North, Roosevelt, South, Southwest, Washburn, Wellstone
Associate Superintendent – LaShawn Ray
The associate superintendent is responsible for creating and modeling a culture of high expectations and providing ongoing support and oversight to school building leaders. The associate superintendent works with school communities to create the necessary conditions that result in dramatic and accelerated student achievement, closing the achievement gap and improving overall school performance. Schools served: Anthony, Anwatin, Field, Franklin, Justice Page, Keewaydin, Lake Harriet Upper, Northeast, Olson, Sanford
Associate Superintendent – Ron Wagner
The associate superintendent is responsible for creating and modeling a culture of high expectations and providing ongoing support and oversight to school building leaders. The associate superintendent works with school communities to create the necessary conditions that result in dramatic and accelerated student achievement, closing the achievement gap and improving overall school performance.
Schools served: Andersen, Anishinabe, Bethune, Bryn Mawr, Burroughs, Green Central, Hale, Hall, Jefferson, Jenny Lind, Kenny, Kenwood, Loring, Lucy Laney, Lyndale, Nellie Stone Johnson, Northrop, Pratt, Sullivan, Waite Park
Associate Superintendent – Brian Zambreno
Schools served: Armatage, Bancroft, Barton, Cityview, Dowling, Emerson, Folwell, Hiawatha, Hmong International Academy, Howe, Lake Harriet Lower, Marcy, Pillsbury, Seward, Sheridan, Webster, Wenonah, Whittier, Windom
Engagement and External Relations is responsible for creating opportunities and building capacity for engagement of families and other stakeholders with our schools. Housed within the larger Communications, Engagement & External Relations division, engagement and external relations functions include: student placement services, family resource center, Parent Advisory Councils (PAC), Parent Academy Program, and overall support to school-family partnerships.
Marketing and Communications is responsible for providing timely, accurate, relevant information to help families, staff and the community support student success. Housed within the larger Communications, Engagement & External Relations division, the marketing and communications function comprises internal and external communications, branding, media relations, digital and social media, graphic design, and translations/interpretations.
Adminstrator, Board and Government Relations – Ryan Strack
The Administrator, Board and Government Relations is responsible for staffing the Board of Education, managing the district's local government relations, and facilitating the policy development process.
Click here to see an organizational chart for Minneapolis Public Schools.