Dr. Stacie Stanley is the incoming superintendent of Edina Public Schools. Previously, Stanley was associate superintendent in Eden Prairie. She’s also worked in the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage school district as director of equity and integrated support services and as director of curriculum, assessment, instruction and support services. She was a principal at two Roseville schools and was a teacher in the East Metro Integration District. Stanley has a bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the College of St. Catherine and a doctorate of education from Bethel University where she teaches educational measurement and assessment to doctoral students.
What was your favorite subject in school? Math; and since I was good at mathematics, I was encouraged to become an accountant, but I liked to talk too much. Instead, I came into education through occupational therapy and found my love in teaching math as a middle school math teacher.
Describe the purpose of your job. Building relationships as a connector to bring community members together around a common purpose and ultimately to ensure that kids are learning at a high level in a physically and psychologically safe environment.
What are your hobbies? Reading and taking walks with my husband of 32 years. I also love spending time with our grandchildren and seeing the world through their eyes.
What books do you remember from school? Like many Minnesota girls, I grew up loving Laura Ingalls Wilder and the Betsy-Tasy Society. When my children were in school, we loved Why Mosquitos Buzz in People’s Ears.
Who is a hero in your life? My mom, who is not living right now. She taught me tenacity and to be myself and remain authentic no matter what, which is why I didn’t become an accountant. She also taught me that problems are there to be solved and that I don’t need to have all the answers; that it takes a village and that there are many villages. Her spirit is with me all the time.
What are you most excited for in the upcoming school year? Barring any unforeseen circumstances, I’m excited for the energy and excitement that come with a more “typical” school year. Edina is an amazing community and I can’t wait to get to know the teachers and principals that I consistently hear are outstanding.
We wish Stanley and all EPS staff and students a wonderful 2021/22 school year.