Minneapolis school board approves interim superintendent

Minneapolis school officials have appointed an interim superintendent for the next school year.

Tuesday night, the Minneapolis Public Schools Board of Education approved the appointment of current Associate Superintendent Rochelle Cox as the interim superintendent for the 2022-23 school year. She’ll officially start her new position on July 1.

It comes after current Superintendent Ed Graff announced in March that he’s leaving his position when his contract expires next month.

RELATED: Minneapolis Public Schools superintendent to leave position in June

Cox has been with MPS since 1997, and has served in several leadership positions throughout her tenure. In her current role, she offers support to 19 elementary schools and their principals.

“I look forward to both the challenges and the opportunities ahead, honoring where we are at and building momentum towards a bright future for MPS,” Cox said in a statement. “I believe in our students. I believe in our staff. I’m excited to help our community focus on engagement, academics and stability across our educational system.”

With an interim superintendent now in place, the board plans to develop a process to choose the next superintendent.

“The board greatly appreciates Ms. Cox’s willingness to lead during this time,” Board of Education Chairperson Kim Ellison said. “Her skills, experience, and deep knowledge of our district make her an ideal leader for this moment. We look forward to working in partnership over the next year on behalf of our students, schools and community.”

Additionally, the board named Cynthia Booker to fill the rest of a vacant at-large board seat. That seat was vacated by Josh Pauly, who resigned in March.

Booker will serve on the board until the end of that seat’s term, which is set to end on Jan. 3, 2023. She’ll start at the board’s May 24 meeting.