St. Paul school board 'exploring options' for Silva's exit

Updated: 7:20 a.m., June 16 | Posted: 3 p.m., June 15

The St. Paul school board said Wednesday it's talking with Superintendent Valeria Silva about a possible agreement that would have her step down as the district's top executive.

Silva had recently announced plans to leave after her current contract expires in 2018. She's been under fire the past year over controversial policy changes, including efforts to reduce suspensions and move special education students into regular classrooms.

Critics claimed Silva's suspension policies had led to an out-of-control culture at some schools. The district struggled with several high-profile incidents of student violence, including the choking of a teacher at Central High School.

Those issues became central to November's school board elections that ended with the ouster of four incumbents who had backed Silva's agenda.

On Wednesday, the board posted a statement noting that Silva's "most recent contract outlines various transition options and the accompanying obligations of the district in the event Superintendent Silva transitions out as superintendent. The board and Superintendent Silva are presently exploring those options."

The statement praised Silva's 29 years in the district and said the board "will make no further comments at this time."

"If I was her I'd leave, probably, too. I'd explore options," said Kristy Pierce, a cultural specialist at Como Park High School. "I think the district has just become so toxic. I admire her courage and strength to have endured this long with what she's had to face."

Pierce said she supports Silva's efforts to reduce racial disparities in discipline and provide racial equity training for teachers. Silva launched a racial equity initiative in 2010, shortly after she arrived in the district.

But that effort, along with other initiatives, has drawn criticism from others.

Como Park teacher Roy Magnuson said Silva's leadership style has resulted in low staff morale. He called it "a top-down style of leadership that did not honor the experience of people working in the schools." He said recent conflicts in its schools reduced the public's confidence in the district. St. Paul had several incidents of student violence against teachers last year.

Central High School parent Ann Hobbie said public distrust means the district needs a new leader.

"I think that, no matter what she did right now, Superintendent Silva just wasn't going to be able to turn it around in terms of public opinion," Hobbie said. "I think she was going to be thwarted no matter which direction she went, rightly or wrongly."

Former St. Paul school board member Keith Hardy said he was disappointed at the announcement that Silva may leave sooner. He said the superintendent made an effort to be more collaborative during his time on the board.

"We want to have input from stakeholders that lead to decisions. But at the end of day there is one person who is held accountable for what happens in a school district, and that's what that person is hired for," he said.

Disparities in suspension rates between black and white students have not budged during Silva's tenure. But on academics, the district saw progress. Gaps in graduation rates between white students and students of color are smaller. Black Lives Matter St. Paul leader Rashad Turner worries about what will happen to Silva's equity work if she leaves.

"I think, personally, that it's unfortunate for our students," Turner said. "Here we have a woman who has dedicated her career and time as superintendent to racial equity, and I think that's really the root of the problem. When you focus on students of color and try to really eliminate the disparities that are present, that continue to be there, I think you catch some flack for that."

Silva and board members would not speak about the announcement yesterday, but more definitive action on her status is expected soon.