Holiday dinner a big success

Our wonderful district staff and Taher put on a free community dinner at the high school on Christmas Day. If you would like to see a slideshow of the decorations and event, check out the district Facebook page.

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Thankful

Last night the Saint Paul School Board selected Valeria Silva for their next superintendent. Valeria has worked in Saint Paul for more than 20 years and has been nationally recognized for her work with ELL students. She recently completed training with the Broad Foundation which prepares individuals to lead urban school districts. Valeria will serve Saint Paul well.

At the end of a two-hour interview last Thursday, the SPPS School Board asked if I wished to make a statement or ask a question. I chose to make a statement. My statement expressed gratitude to the NBAPS School Board, union leaders and staff for their support of me during the process. I stated that it is very difficult for a sitting superintendent's district during such a public process and that I am especially grateful for the support granted me.

I remain thankful for working in this district and look forward to continuing to serve our staff, students and community.

As with previous posts, Supe of the Day will not accept comments on this issue.

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Hard to replace

The District homepage now has a short tribute to the 16 staff members retiring this year, including School Board member Donna Setter's speech to staff commemorating the occasion. It's hard to fathom the - yes - centuries of combined experience lost to the District this year.

I feel fortunate to have been here to witness their departure, and to know how much their service has meant to this community over the years. What a great group!

Whatever their next chapter, I hope it will be as rewarding as this ending chapter has been to the families and communities they have served.

Best wishes to you all!

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Another year comes to a close

Today is the last day of school for most students at NBAPS. Last night we graduated the largest class in district history, 293 students, and we are so very, very proud of each and every one of them. We look forward to seeing the impact they will have on our world in years to come.

To staff and students, best wishes for a wonderful summer. I hope you are able to make the most of it.

Reflecting on the year that now was, it has been a truly memorable one, and next year promises to be even better.

Thanks to everyone; staff, students, families, and the community at large, for the wonderful support we receive on a daily basis. Such a successful year is not possible without the kind of team effort we have hear. It is both humbling and inspiring to be a part of.

Thanks again!

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