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Contact: Dr. Gwen Jackson |
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Media Release |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dr. Schmidt named director of research and evaluation for Edina Public Schools Edina, Minn., Jan. 04, 2010 – Edina Public Schools (EPS) is pleased to announce Schmidt, an Edina High School graduate, has 12 years of teaching experience, including work experience with EPS. From 1993 to 1999 he taught math at South View Middle School, and he served as a K-12 instructional specialist and curriculum coordinator from 1999 to 2001. Most recently, he was employed by EPS as a K-12 data coach and was responsible for working with principals, teachers and school staff to access, interpret and analyze student learning date. Previous to his last position with EPS, he served as an assistant professor at Bemidji State University and coordinated the school’s distance-learning professional education programs. Schmidt has also worked as an external evaluator for the Minnesota Department of Education Math Partnership Grant and taught math in the South Saint Paul school district. In his application letter, Schmidt wrote that he believes that staff has a critical role in enhancing student development, that continuous improvement is essential and that access to information, as well as open and timely communication, contributes to a healthy school and community partnership. “They [the beliefs] describe the critical role educators have in helping all students reach their full potential through a focus on using current and relevant information to partner with others in continuously improving programs and practices,” Schmidt wrote. “I am prepared and able to continue the process of fulfilling these belief statements through the role of director of research and evaluation.” Schmidt holds a bachelor’s degree from the Bemidji State University in math education. He received a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota in teacher leadership and a doctorate degree from the University of Minnesota in educational policy and administration Schmidt will begin his employment in January 2010 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 7,800 students. The District serves a large portion of Edina, a first-tier Minneapolis suburb comprised of approximately 47,450 people. ###  |
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its recommendation to hire Dr. Chad Schmidt as the director of research and evaluation. The School Board will take action on this recommendation at the Jan. 11 meeting. Schmidt will replace director Dr. Thel Kocher, who served in this position since August 2004 and retired at the end of 2009.