Contact:

Ric Dressen
Superintendent  
Phone: 952-848-4000
superintendent@edina.k12.mn.us

Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Edina recommends Lee for assistant director of special services

Edina, Minn., June 18, 2010 – Edina Public Schools is proud to announce its recommendation to hire Paul Lee as its newest assistant director for special services. The School Board will take action on this recommendation at the June 21 School Board meeting. Lee has worked for Edina for nine years, previously serving as team leader for special education services and as a school psychologist.

Lee has 16 years of experience working in educational and psychological settings. Prior to Edina, he worked as a program coordinator for Children’s Hospitals and Clinics (1999-2001) in St. Paul, and as a school psychologist for St. Paul Public Schools (1998-2001) and a district in Portland, Ore. (1994-1998).

During his previous work in the District, Lee was involved in a variety of leadership tasks, from supervising the paraprofessional staff to staff development and strategic planning. But no matter what the task, Lee believes an effective administrator needs to do far more than pass orders down to subordinates.

“An excellent administrator is able to listen and establish a relationship,” Lee said. “They are able to understand the perspective of others and take into account social and cultural structures that form individual belief systems. [They] have the capacity to reach beyond technical management tasks and provide authentic leadership that facilitates reflection, energy to grow and transform, and a culture of inclusion and excellence.”

During his time in Edina, Lee has also been a member of the RTI Steering Committee, the CIMP Leadership Committee and the Parent Advisory Council.

“Paul has excellent analytical thinking skills and will offer comprehensive insights and ideas that will prove to be creative and original,” said Penny Kodrich, director of special services. “Paul will add value to the District and the special services department in his new role and we are excited to have him operate in a broader, more systemic role as the assistant director.”

Lee holds a master’s of science in education from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse and is currently finishing up his dissertation for his doctorate of education from the University of St. Thomas.

Lee will start at his new position early in the 2010-2011 school year succeeding Darlene Bell, the current assistant director of special services who will retire at the end of August.

About Edina Public Schools:
Edina Public Schools is comprised of six elementary schools (K-5), two middle schools (6-9) and one senior high (10-12). Total enrollment is approximately 7,990 students. The District serves a large portion of Edina, a first-tier Minneapolis suburb comprised of approximately 47,450 people.

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