Superintendent contract approved, Patrick Henry High School renamed during Tuesday meeting

Leaders of Minneapolis Public Schools approved two important decisions during Tuesday’s meeting.

One of those decisions included approving a contract for the district’s new superintendent, Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams.

As previously reported by 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS earlier this month, Sayles-Adams was chosen as the preferred candidate over Dr. Sonia Stewart. Both women were announced as finalists for the position in November.

Sayles-Adams was chosen after an 8-1 vote and is the current Superintendent of Eastern Carver County Schools. Once board members approve the contract, she will start her role on Feb. 5, 2024.

Previous Superintendent Ed Graff ended his contract in 2022 and Rochelle Cox is currently serving as the interim superintendent.

The other major item on the agenda — the renaming of Patrick Henry High School to Camden High School — was also approved by the school board on Tuesday night.

The new name will be effective July 1 of next year.

As previously reported last month, a draft of the resolution says students, staff and community members had been calling for a new name since at least 2018. Patrick Henry, a founding father, was a slave owner.

RELATED: Minneapolis Public Schools to change name of Patrick Henry High School

The two options brought to the school board were Camden High School and Victory High School. Camden is a community in Minneapolis, covering the upper half of the north side. Victory also made the list because “Our school wants our students to find victory in their life after high school.” The school is also located near the Victory neighborhood.

CLICK HERE for the full meeting agenda.