Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams, Superintendent of Eastern Carver County Schools in Minnesota, has been selected as the School Board’s preferred candidate to serve as superintendent. Her starting date will be determined pending contract negotiations and approval. 

“We are thrilled Dr. Sayles-Adams will lead Minneapolis Public Schools into the future and are excited about her deep educational experience, passion for lifting students up and proven track record of improving student performance at public schools,” said Board Chair Sharon El-Amin. “She will provide both a vision and a strategy for continued growth for every student at MPS regardless of their background or ZIP code.”

Dr. Sayles-Adams has 28 years of experience in education, including as a teacher and principal in Minneapolis, and an assistant superintendent in St. Paul, before moving to Eastern Carver County in 2020. A complete bio can be found here.

Throughout her career, Dr. Sayles-Adams has demonstrated a firm commitment to ensuring that schools are safe and supportive environments for all students, and a belief that all students can learn at high levels. 

“This is a full-circle moment for me,” said Sayles-Adams. “I began my career in education working as a teacher in North Minneapolis and that’s where I learned that strong schools make a strong community. I am honored and thank the School Board for their vote of confidence in my commitment to serve as the next superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools. I look forward to partnering with teachers, students, staff and the community to make sure every student gets the high-quality education they deserve.”  

For more information about the Superintendent Search process, visit board.mpls.k12.mn.us/suptsearch.