SPPS Superintendent Stanley optimistic for future of SPPS following levy approval

“We are so grateful to our communities for passing the referendum,” St. Paul Public Schools Superintendent Stacie Stanley said as she looks to the future.
“This money goes towards keeping our doors open.”
Following the approval of the levy by voters in the 2025 general election, music, arts, the office of family engagement outreach, and the college and career readiness program (which helps prepare high school students for college) will be maintained.
Language and culture programs are a big part of preparing students to complete the bilingual SEAL through the Minnesota Department of Education, Stanley pointed out. The bilingual SEAL allows for students to get college credit so students are not required to take language class for four semesters at various universities including the University of Minnesota.
Following the 2023 statewide education funding bill, the formula allowance for 2026 going forward will be adjusted annually to reflect inflation by the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U). Under that rule, the increase each year must be at least 2% and at most 3%.
There will be an increase of approximately 2.37% for state funding for schools next year, Stanley said. Inflation and wages still remain up, exceeding the 2.37%. An increase of just 1-2% can make a bigger impact with the budget, enrollment and strong programming for the students, Stanley observed. The legislature did agree to offer an inflationary increase aligned with inflation up to no more than 3%.
Stanley says that the community can play a role letting local public officials know schools need additional funding.

‘LIFE COMING FULL CIRCLE’
Stanley attended SPPS schools throughout her childhood.
When reflecting on her younger years in SPPS, Stanley recounts how she learned to cross country ski and won the fifth grade spelling bee at Mississippi Elementary School. She also fell in love with math. She went to Murray for middle school and enjoyed debate. She attended Central High School where she was on student council and enjoyed dance.
Stanley was a first generation college attendee at the University of Minnesota. She earned her doctorate degree from Bethel University.
She has served in a variety of education roles throughout her career, including math teacher, principal, director of curriculum, assessment and instruction, associate superintendent and superintendent.
Stanley collaborated on a grant to help students figure out if they wanted to be teachers after college.
Having amazing teachers in her younger years fostered Stanley’s desire to work in education. She believes that teachers and role models help students build connections.
Stanley worked in both Roseville and Burnsville school districts before becoming associate superintendent of Eden Prairie Schools and superintendent of Edina Public Schools. She was hired as SPPS Superintendent on May 12, 2025 after a nationwide search. She replaced Dr. Joe Gothard who took a job in Milwaukee, Wis. and interim superintendent Dr. John Thein.
When the opportunity came up to be superintendent of SPPS, “I thought long and hard about it as this was my opportunity to give back and pay it forward to my community,” Stanley remarked.
“It is really life coming full circle.”
Stanley is the co-author of “Leading While Female: A Culturally Proficient Response for Gender Equity.” She is a contributing author for “Innovative Voices in Education: Engaging diverse communities,” a 2012 book featuring 17 first-person narratives from educators and activists worldwide who share strategies for building inclusive schools.
Stanley has a new book coming out in early spring 2026, “Mentoring for Momentum,” a follow-up to “Leading While Female.”
Superintendent Stanley is a strong proponent of creating safe spaces where students can thrive and find their belonging. She pointed out that having students feel that they have dignity and worthiness is important to her.