The following message was shared by Superintendent Dr. Carlondrea Hines on Friday, May 2, 2025.

I am writing to share an important update regarding changes within the Instruction and Learning department and district organizational structure. It is with mixed emotion that I share the departure of Patrick Duffy, director of teaching and learning. After 7 years in the district, he has announced his resignation from St. Louis Park Public Schools.

Patrick has dedicated his life’s work to serving students, and we are grateful for the time he has spent in the district. He has been an instrumental leader in the district’s racial equity transformation work, and he has provided innovative thought and leadership through the curriculum review and design process.

“My time in St. Louis Park has been profoundly rewarding, and I am excited about the continued evolution of the racial equity transformation work - particularly how it will support the diverse academic needs of each learner in the system. This leadership experience has strengthened my resolve to further actualize my calling as a teacher and multifaceted antiracist educator,” he shared. 

Director Duffy intends to continue serving as a leader in public education, where he is currently teaching as an instructor at the University of Minnesota while also working on his second book Schools at the Center: The Spirit of Integration. Additionally, he plans to expand his independent consulting practice and is considering other opportunities within K-12 education. We are grateful for his service to the district and wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

Additionally, I want to acknowledge the feedback received from the initial communication about our organizational structure. I understand that the first message caused some confusion, and I’d like to thank you for your honest input. We could have been clearer and are committed to doing so moving forward.

As part of our ongoing commitment to align resources with district needs, I am taking this opportunity to restructure the position. I heard your feedback about the size of the district administrative team, but I believe that it is necessary to fill this position. The position will be modified to better support schools and staff, and it will be titled coordinator of instructional design and support. The person in this position will focus on advancing instructional planning and teacher support across the district. This will be a direct report to the assistant superintendent.

Change can be challenging, and I am deeply grateful for the dedication, resilience, and partnership of our staff, students, families, and community members. As we move forward, I remain committed to supporting our educators and continuing to deliver high-quality instruction for all learners. More information about this transition and the hiring process will be shared in the coming weeks. Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Thank you for your continued partnership and understanding.

Sincerely,

Dr. Carlondrea Hines, Superintendent