St. Louis Park Public Schools Superintendent to Retire

St. Louis Park Public Schools Superintendent Rob Metz has formally submitted his resignation, effective June 30, 2017. Metz will be retiring after 36 years in public education to begin a new career working with the Building Assets Reducing Risks (BARR) team as Deputy Director.

In this role, he will work with the BARR Team to expand the work nationwide. “I am highly motivated to help reform and improve public school systems across the country,” Metz said in a statement.

Metz began his career in St. Louis Park Public Schools more than 19 years ago as principal at Aquila Primary Center. In St. Louis Park, he also served as high school principal for six years and superintendent for the past three years, according to a news release.

Highlights of his tenure as superintendent include districtwide equity work with teachers and staff to begin to close the racial achievement gap, a successful 2013 referendum, leadership in multiple crisis situations, development and execution of the 2016-2020 Strategic Plan, and continued leadership and support from the District level of BARR at St. Louis Park High School.

Metz currently serves as Chair of the Children First Executive Committee, is active in the St. Louis Park Noon Rotary, Twin West Chamber of Commerce and St. Louis Park Business Council, and has participated in many superintendent leadership cohorts.

“Superintendent Metz is an authentic leader with the highest moral character,” said School Board Chair Joe Tatalovich. “As a school board, we have all enjoyed his collective nature, calm demeanor and unwavering dedication to students.”

As Metz reflected on his time in St. Louis Park, he extended his thanks to the entire school community, “I cannot put into words how much I have enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to work in St. Louis Park Public Schools for the past 19 years. I have done my best, in a variety of roles, to help St. Louis Park grow and maintain its ‘brand’ and to provide the best educational opportunities for ALL students. I would like to personally thank the school board, administration, teachers and staff, for supporting me and helping me grow as an educator during this time.”

The School Board will meet in a special session before the Jan. 9, 2017, school board meeting to determine next steps for a superintendent search. The process will include opportunities for stakeholders to provide input. Details and timeline for the search process will be shared with the community in the future.

Until June 30, Metz said he will focus his work on preparation for a potential Fall 2017 referendum, executing the strategic plan, and continuing work in racial equity. “I will continue to work hard for teachers and staff, our students, and the entire St. Louis Park community until June 30, 2017, and I will remain a supporter of St. Louis Park Public Schools for many years to come,” he said.

The School Board is scheduled to take action on Superintendent Metz’s resignation at the Monday, January 9, School Board Meeting.

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