The Minneapolis school board has approved a three-year contract agreement with Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams, their choice for superintendent.
Sayles-Adams has been Superintendent of Eastern Carver County Schools since 2020 and will start in her new role in February.
Adams boasts a distinguished career in educational leadership spanning over two decades. Beginning in Minneapolis Public Schools from 1996 to 2004, she held various roles, including teacher and coordinator, ultimately becoming the principal at the City Alternative High School. Her journey continued in Clayton County Schools in Georgia (52,000 students), where she served as the principal for a high school and two elementary schools from 2004 to 2012.
The board also voted Tuesday night to change the name of Patrick Henry to Camden High School after its northside neighborhood.
The renaming effort first began six years ago when a group of residents and students objected to the name associated with the 18th century Virginia politician and slave owner. After over 40 rounds of ranked choice voting, the name Camden High School was selected.
The board now says work will begin on choosing a new mascot and school colors. It will become effective July 1, 2024.