St. Louis Park Superintendent Bowers Announces Resignation

St. Louis Park Public Schools Superintendent Debra Bowers announced her resignation today, Jan. 8, ending a nine-year tenure with the district.

Bowers' current contract expires on June 30, 2013, but she has opted to not seek an additional contract. The district reports she is currently considering her options to transition to another line of work within the education field.

"I am so proud of the work we’ve done together," she said. "St. Louis Park is an amazing community and I am fortunate to have worked closely with parents, staff and community members to ‘achieve success, one student at a time.'"

The School Board is currently developing a transition plan to seek a new superintendent, though specifics are not immediately available.

Bowers joined St. Louis Park Schools in 2004, working during her tenure to pass numerous referendums, implement a revised strategic plan, complete a districtwide reconfiguration with a focus on equity and maintain financial stability in turbulent economic times. 

Bowers has been equally active within the St. Louis Park community, serving on the Children First Executive Committee, Park Nicollet Foundation Board, Search Institute Board of Directors and the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce's St. Louis Park Business Council.

She has more than 38 years of education experience, including work as a teacher, principal and multiple district leadership positions.

School Board Chair Jim Yarosh said the district is "grateful that Dr. Bowers has shared her expertise, experience and tireless dedication to all students in St. Louis Park Public Schools."

"Under her focused leadership, St. Louis Park High School has consistently been named one of Minnesota’s top high schools, and the school district has implemented International Baccalaureate programs K-12 and been awarded several large local and national grants," Yarosh said.

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