St. Paul schools choose interim superintendent

The St. Paul school board will appoint a district administrator as interim superintendent to run the school system once the current superintendent leaves for a new job.

Suzanne Kelly, the chief of staff for the St. Paul schools, is expected to be appointed at the board's next meeting on April 28. Kelly has been chief of staff since 2007, responsible for supporting day-to-day operations of the district.

Kelly will serve in the post until the board hires a permanent replacement for Meria Carstarphen, who is leaving St. Paul on June 30 to take over as head of the Austin, Texas schools.

Board member Elona Street-Stewart says Kelly "has the experience to see the district through this time of change and transition."

Kelly was chosen for the interim spot in part because of the expectation that she would not apply for the permanent position. The school board hopes to have a new superintendent in place during the 2009-2010 school year.