Minneapolis Public Schools superintendent to leave position in June

The superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) is stepping down when his current contract ends.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS confirmed the news Wednesday that Ed Graff is stepping down from his position, stating he will not continue with a third term as the district’s leader.

His current contract is in effect until June 30, according to MPS.

Graff joined the district in 2016 after what the board described as two unsuccessful district superintendent searches.

“For the past six years, the Minneapolis Public Schools Board of Directors has given me the extraordinary opportunity to fulfill a life calling and make a difference in the lives of children,” Graff said in a statement. “MPS has a team of committed and dedicated educators, parents and community members who want our students to succeed and I am confident they will continue to join hands with the School Board to make that happen. I am committed to doing everything I can to ensure a smooth leadership transition.”

MPS reports plans for the appointment of a new superintendent are expected to be shared at a later date.

View Graff’s letter to the school board below or here.

graff_board_letter_3_30_2022Download

In response to the announcement, MPS School Board Chair Kim Ellison said in a statement, “Always with students as the focus, Superintendent Graff has brought systemic and transformational change to MPS during an extremely challenging time in our history. He has repeatedly delivered on the School Board’s values, implemented equity-driven structural changes, and kept students and staff safe and learning through a pandemic. I am grateful for his service and all he has done for Minneapolis Public Schools.”

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS reached out to the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers and Education Support Professionals (ESPs) for a response to the announcement.

Greta Callahan, president of the union’s teachers chapter, and Shaun Laden, president of the ESPs chapter, issued the following joint statement:

“Minneapolis educators know what our students need to succeed – a diverse, respected educator workforce, smaller class sizes for more individualized attention, better mental health supports, and stable schools that are welcoming to all and focused on student learning. The next few months offer an opportunity for Minneapolis Public Schools to name an interim superintendent who is committed to bringing our school communities together to collectively decide who our next superintendent should be. We look forward to working with the Board of Education and our school communities—families, students, and workers—through this process to ensure the next superintendent shares our values and is chosen through an open and authentic process.”