Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams Named 2026 Minnesota Superintendent of the Year
The Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA) has named Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams, Superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS), the 2026 Minnesota Superintendent of the Year. As Minnesota’s honoree, Dr. Sayles-Adams is now a candidate for National Superintendent of the Year, which will be announced during the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) National Conference on Education, February 12-14, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Sayles-Adams was selected for this honor by a panel of representatives from a variety of Minnesota education organizations. Nominees are evaluated on leadership for learning, communication skills, professionalism, and community involvement.
The Minnesota Superintendent of the Year Award is sponsored by ATSR, Planners/Architects/Engineers.
“We are honored to recognize Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams as the 2026 Minnesota Superintendent of the Year,” said MASA Executive Director Dr. Deb Henton. “Dr. Sayles-Adams is working to rebuild trust and stability in one of Minnesota’s largest and most diverse districts. Her vision and commitment to literacy and community engagement are transforming MPS and setting a new standard for educational leadership.”
Rebuilding Trust and Stability in Minneapolis Public Schools
Since being appointed superintendent in 2024, Dr. Sayles-Adams has led MPS through a period of positive change marked by enrollment growth, renewed public confidence, and improved academic outcomes. During her first 100 days, she focused on listening and learning – visiting more than 50 schools and hosting seven community listening sessions. This outreach built a foundation of trust and a shared vision that continues to guide Dr. Sayles-Adams’ collaboration with the school board, staff, and community.
Dr. Sayles-Adams’ collaborative approach has engaged thousands of stakeholders in shaping the district’s future. Between December 2024 and March 2025, a districtwide caregiver survey drew more than 7,100 responses – representing 35 percent of MPS families – and guided decisions on academics, school climate, mental-health supports, and other programming. This process reflects Dr. Sayles-Adams’ belief that inclusive engagement builds lasting trust. The collective vision that emerged is guiding efforts to return Minneapolis Public Schools to a destination district.
Advancing Literacy Through Systemwide Alignment
To ensure every student receives the early literacy instruction they deserve, Dr. Sayles-Adams ushered in the districtwide implementation of the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) Foundational Skills Curriculum. This move consolidated many disparate reading programs into one evidence-based, science-of-reading-aligned curriculum across all 44 elementary schools. The system’s powerful progress-monitoring platform provides teachers with “just-in-time” data every five days, allowing them to adjust instruction immediately based on student performance.
By pairing this initiative with intensive professional development and frequent progress monitoring, Minneapolis Public Schools achieved rapid results: in one Northside school, the percentage of kindergarten students from low-income households on track for grade-level reading rose from 15% to 45% in a single year.
Community-Driven Leadership and Fiscal Stewardship
Dr. Sayles-Adams’ tenure is defined by her belief that transparency and accountability strengthen public education. Under her leadership, MPS has utilized priority-based budgeting, a clear and accessible process that aligns financial decisions with the district’s strategic plan and school board priorities.
Through regular appearances on community radio stations, a multi-channel digital media strategy, and the MPS Voices podcast, Dr. Sayles-Adams and MPS connect directly with families to share updates and address community questions. The district’s “We Are MPS” media campaign has helped rebuild public trust and reclaim its narrative by highlighting the many successes of students and staff.
In 2024, Dr. Sayles-Adams’ efforts contributed to the successful passage of an increase to the district’s technology levy, which freed general education funds and improved the district’s long-term financial outlook. Simultaneously, MPS achieved its lowest licensed staff vacancy rate in nearly a decade (1.27%), ensuring consistent, high-quality instruction for students.
A Legacy of Service and Equity-Driven Leadership
Dr. Sayles-Adams brings nearly 30 years of experience as a teacher, principal, and district leader. She began her career in Minneapolis Public Schools, later serving as a principal in Clayton County, Georgia, and Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS). She then held assistant superintendent roles first at SPPS and later in North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale before becoming superintendent of Eastern Carver County Schools. She became superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools in February 2024.
Dr. Sayles-Adams’ honors include the MASA Kay E. Jacobs Memorial Award (2023), Minnesota School Public Relations Association Champion of Communications Award (2023), and Rotary Club of St. Paul Education Forward Awards (2017 & 2018).
Her statewide and national service includes leadership roles with the American Association of School Administrators, Council of Great City Schools, Minnesota Association of School Administrators Board of Directors, Association of Metropolitan School Districts, Generation Next (Co-Chair), Achieve Twin Cities, and the Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Board.
Dr. Sayles-Adams earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Minnesota State University, Mankato; a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction and Bachelor’s in Political Science from the University of Minnesota; and her Administrative Licensure from St. Mary’s University.
For more information on the AASA Superintendent of the Year Program, please visit www.aasa.org.
MASA is a professional organization of Minnesota’s school leaders, including superintendents, assistant superintendents, directors of special education, and other central office administrators, as well as state department administrators, college and university professors, and other educators throughout Minnesota dedicated to educational leadership for students.
###