Mayor Coleman proclaims Nov. 29, 2016 "Valeria Silva Day" in St. Paul; Silva talks about getting back into education; readers disagree.
Now, therefore, I, Christopher B. Coleman, mayor of the city of St. Paul, do hereby proclaim Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, to be Valeria S. Silva Day in the city of St. Paul.
The event was organized by SPPS teachers and staff "during their lunch breaks" according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press. The Pioneer Press also reported that "School district spokeswoman Toya Stewart Downey said outside organizations and individuals will cover the costs, estimated around $2,500, but she declined to identify them." A request was made for donations to The Sanneh Foundation in lieu of gifts given to Silva. The Sanneh Foundation was founded by St. Paul native and retired professional soccer player Tony Sanneh to help at-risk children by using soccer to improve their lives.
The former Superintendent was forced out by a new school board last spring with only six months served of a three year contract. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reported in June 2016 that teachers and parents complained about Silva's softer penalties for student misbehavior and she caused families to enroll at schools outside of the district because of rushed mainstreaming of special education students which made schools less orderly and safe. After negotiations were complete, Silva walked with nearly $800,000 in pay-outs from SPPS.
Reader comments posted on the Star Tribune and Pioneer Press articles question Silva's stated desire to stay in education, the "thank you" reception and the Mayor's proclamation honoring Silva, with many openly outraged by the events and Silva's statements.