Lisa Sayles-Adams takes over as superintendent of Minneapolis schools

For the first time in more than a year and a half, Minneapolis Public Schools has a permanent superintendent.

Monday marks the first day on the job for Lisa Sayles-Adams, who most recently served as the superintendent for Eastern Carver County Schools. She spent the morning greeting elementary students at Nellie Stone Johnson Elementary, where Sayles-Adams taught from 1999 to 2002.

"It's great to be back here," she said as old colleagues gathered to congratulate her on her new role before a stream of students came in from the bus.

The visit marked the "full-circle" moment that Sayles-Adams talked about when interviewing with the school board, who ultimately chose her because of her brand of leadership and her local roots.

"I feel kind of like a student on the first day of school," she said Monday. "I'm just eager to get going."

Sayles-Adams is stepping into the district in a critical year as it faces a projected $90 million deficit for next school year and amid a district transformation that may include repurposing, closing or consolidating schools. She plans to spend the first 100 days "listening, learning and engaging" with staff, parents and students. In a video posted on district social media Monday, Sayles-Adams said she wants to hear from the community about what's working in Minneapolis Public Schools and what can be done differently.

"I know the best way to do that is to hear directly from you," she said in the video.

Throughout the school visits, Sayles-Adams chatted with principals and staff about school attendance, busing and professional development opportunities for staff. She waved at students as they jumped (and danced) off the school bus, doled out a few hugs and eagerly agreed when one girl asked the new superintendent if she'd also be her new best friend.

"It was great to start my first day in the schools," Sayles-Adams said.

Sayles-Adams replaces Rochelle Cox, who became interim superintendent in July 2022, and had her contract extended through June 2024 when the board decided to delay a search for a permanent leader. Cox agreed to step down early so Sayles-Adams could start earlier and will return to her previous role as associate superintendent.

"It has been an honor and privilege to serve as your interim superintendent over the past year and a half," Cox said in a email sent to families Friday. "I got to witness your unwavering dedication to our students, schools and community."

Sayles-Adams will be paid $107,000 to serve in the role until the end of June when Cox's contract was initially set to expire. On July 1, Sayles-Adams' three-year contract will begin with a $266,000 salary, then $271,000 for the second year and $276,000 for her third. She'll also receive a $600 monthly allowance for use of her personal vehicle for work.

Cox and Ed Graff, the district's most recent permanent superintendent, both earned $230,000 per year.

Sayles-Adams said she's "excited for the opportunities that lie ahead" for the district. "I think the future is bright and I'm very happy that I'm back in Minneapolis Public Schools."