Saint Paul Public Schools Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Saint Paul Public Schools has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational management, and educational governance.

Committed to academic excellence, Saint Paul Public Schools delivers comprehensive alternative education, college readiness programs, and essential nutrition services to foster student success across the Minnesota region.

Leadership Roles at Saint Paul Public Schools

  • Chief Executive Officer - Aaron Roberts
  • Chief Financial Officer - Larry Shomion
  • President - Melissa Malen
  • IB Geography Teacher and Co-President of United Nations Association- MN - Kari Rise
  • President - Anne McInerney
  • President - Justin Lerer
  • Chief Operations Officer - Jean Ronnei
  • Journeyman Electrician - Pete Barrett
  • Aaron Roberts - Chief Executive Officer

    Aaron Roberts, the Chief Executive Officer at Saint Paul Public Schools, directs the overarching strategic vision for the district. Overseeing the implementation of college and career readiness initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between academic goals and student outcomes. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and driving district-wide improvements in educational delivery. By optimizing resource allocation, Aaron Roberts directly impacts the quality of alternative education programs provided to the community. The Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on long-term institutional growth while navigating the evolving landscape of K-12 education. Through rigorous oversight of district policies, Roberts secures the necessary support for diverse student populations. This executive leadership ensures that Saint Paul Public Schools remains a cornerstone of the Minnesota educational system, consistently meeting the needs of students through innovative pedagogical strategies and robust administrative frameworks.

    Larry Shomion - Chief Financial Officer

    Larry Shomion, the Chief Financial Officer at Saint Paul Public Schools, manages the fiscal health and budgetary integrity of the entire district. Overseeing the allocation of funds for nutrition services and technology infrastructure, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial resources directly support classroom learning. This leadership role involves complex financial planning and reporting to the board, maintaining transparency in all fiscal operations. By implementing cost-effective strategies, Larry Shomion maximizes the impact of available funding on student programs. The Chief Financial Officer monitors economic trends to safeguard the district against budgetary volatility. Through meticulous oversight of procurement and payroll, Shomion guarantees the operational stability required for academic success. This financial leadership provides the foundation for Saint Paul Public Schools to expand its reach, ensuring that every dollar invested contributes to the overarching mission of providing high-quality education to the Minnesota student body.

    Melissa Malen - President

    Melissa Malen, the President at Saint Paul Public Schools, governs the board-level decision-making processes that shape district policy. Overseeing the legislative alignment of educational programs, the President ensures that all initiatives adhere to state and federal mandates. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between the community and the administration to drive consensus on critical academic issues. By championing college and career readiness, Melissa Malen influences the strategic direction of the district. The President monitors the effectiveness of board policies in improving student achievement metrics. Through active engagement with stakeholders, Malen fosters a collaborative environment that supports the mission of Saint Paul Public Schools. This governance role requires balancing competing priorities while maintaining a steadfast commitment to student equity. As the President, Malen provides the necessary oversight to ensure that the district remains accountable to the public and continues to deliver high-quality educational outcomes for all students.

    Kari Rise - IB Geography Teacher and Co-President of United Nations Association- MN

    Kari Rise, the IB Geography Teacher and Co-President of United Nations Association- MN at Saint Paul Public Schools, directs global awareness initiatives within the classroom and the broader community. Overseeing the integration of international perspectives into the curriculum, the IB Geography Teacher and Co-President of United Nations Association- MN ensures that students develop a comprehensive understanding of global issues. This leadership role involves bridging the gap between local educational practices and international standards. By fostering partnerships with external organizations, Kari Rise expands the learning opportunities available to students. The IB Geography Teacher and Co-President of United Nations Association- MN facilitates discussions on sustainability and global citizenship, directly impacting the school's commitment to college readiness. Through this dual focus, Rise enhances the academic rigor of the district. This leadership role ensures that Saint Paul Public Schools prepares students for success in an increasingly interconnected world, emphasizing the importance of global engagement.

    Anne McInerney - President

    Anne McInerney, the President at Saint Paul Public Schools, leads the strategic oversight of district-wide educational standards and policy implementation. Overseeing the development of alternative education frameworks, the President ensures that the district meets the diverse needs of the student population. This leadership role involves evaluating the efficacy of current programs and driving improvements in student support services. By advocating for increased access to technology, Anne McInerney strengthens the district's ability to deliver modern learning experiences. The President collaborates with other board members to set the long-term vision for academic excellence. Through rigorous policy analysis, McInerney ensures that Saint Paul Public Schools remains compliant with educational regulations while pursuing innovative growth. This governance role requires a deep understanding of the challenges facing the Minnesota education sector. As the President, McInerney provides the necessary guidance to ensure that the district continues to prioritize student success and community engagement.

    Justin Lerer - President

    Justin Lerer, the President at Saint Paul Public Schools, directs the legislative and community-facing efforts of the board. Overseeing the communication strategy regarding nutrition services and student wellness, the President ensures that the district's mission is clearly articulated to the public. This leadership role involves managing the relationship between the school board and the broader community to build support for educational initiatives. By focusing on the equitable distribution of resources, Justin Lerer drives the district's commitment to inclusive education. The President monitors the impact of board decisions on student readiness and long-term success. Through active participation in policy development, Lerer shapes the future of Saint Paul Public Schools. This governance role requires a focus on transparency and accountability, ensuring that the district remains responsive to the needs of its constituents. As the President, Lerer provides the leadership necessary to maintain the district's reputation for excellence in the Minnesota region.

    Jean Ronnei - Chief Operations Officer

    Jean Ronnei, the Chief Operations Officer at Saint Paul Public Schools, directs the logistical and physical infrastructure necessary for daily educational activities. Overseeing the maintenance of facilities and the integration of technology services, the Chief Operations Officer ensures a safe and efficient environment for all students. This leadership role involves coordinating complex supply chains for nutrition services and managing the physical assets of the district. By streamlining operational workflows, Jean Ronnei enhances the overall productivity of the school system. The Chief Operations Officer collaborates with other executive leaders to align facility usage with long-term educational goals. Through proactive management of district resources, Ronnei minimizes downtime and optimizes the learning environment. This operational focus allows Saint Paul Public Schools to maintain high standards of service delivery, ensuring that the infrastructure supports the diverse needs of the student population across the entire Minnesota region.

    Pete Barrett - Journeyman Electrician

    Pete Barrett, the Journeyman Electrician at Saint Paul Public Schools, directs the technical maintenance and safety of the district's electrical infrastructure. Overseeing the installation and repair of critical technology systems, the Journeyman Electrician ensures that all facilities meet safety standards for student learning. This leadership role involves managing the electrical components of the district's physical assets, which are essential for the operation of modern classrooms. By maintaining reliable power systems, Pete Barrett supports the continuous delivery of educational services. The Journeyman Electrician collaborates with operations teams to ensure that facility upgrades align with the district's technological goals. Through technical expertise, Barrett prevents disruptions to the learning environment, directly impacting the efficiency of Saint Paul Public Schools. This role is vital for the safety and functionality of the district's infrastructure, ensuring that the physical environment remains conducive to academic achievement across all Minnesota school sites.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Saint Paul Public Schools Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Saint Paul Public Schools?
    Saint Paul Public Schools is led by Aaron Roberts (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Larry Shomion (Chief Financial Officer) and Melissa Malen (President).
    Who is part of Saint Paul Public Schools’s executive team?
    The executive team of Saint Paul Public Schools includes leaders such as Aaron Roberts (Chief Executive Officer), Larry Shomion (Chief Financial Officer), Melissa Malen (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Saint Paul Public Schools have?
    Saint Paul Public Schools has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Saint Paul Public Schools’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Saint Paul Public Schools includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, IB Geography Teacher and Co-President of United Nations Association- MN, President.