Ensuring the same quality education for all students
We're committed to transforming schools for our kids and our city
Every student deserves grade-appropriate curriculum and strong instruction, provided by teachers who are engaged, prepared, and supported. They deserve a learning experience that meets their academic, social emotional, and cultural needs.
Students at Northeast College Prep
Our values
We believe that great schools are the cornerstone of a just and thriving community:
Results for kids, schools, families.
Purpose with bold optimism and belief in all kids.
Integrity with our partners, our investments, our decisions.
Humility learning and working together, with community.
Commitment to our city and our future.

Board of directors
Our board of directors plays a critical role in developing our strategic plan and ensuring we meet the ambitious goals we set in service of kids, families, and schools.

Alberto Monserrate

Stan Alleyne

Rob Albright

Rosita Balch

Becky Erdahl

Al Fan

Ethan Gray

Bernadeia Johnson

Tad Piper

Pat Ryan*

Phil Soran

Sandy Vargas

Ben Whitney

Michael O’Connell*

Sondra Samuels

Ed Spencer*
*Investment Committee only
Staff
Our team includes individuals with extensive experience serving families and schools, locally and nationally. We share a deep commitment to our community and transforming education equity for students of all races, means, and origins.

Jen Stern

Osman Ahmed

Nicholas Banovetz

Morgan Brown

Rosie Lais

Melissa Long

Sheilah Kavaney

Karn Engelsgjerd

La Lee Lo

Anthonia Eboreime
Education Ambassadors
We launched a new initiative at Great MN Schools to involve more voices in the fight for K-12 equity and systems change: Minneapolis Education Ambassadors.
Funders
As the only organization focused solely on developing and sustaining high-performing schools in Minneapolis—for all students—we are deeply grateful to our funders and partners who share that commitment and make our work possible through their investment.
To join us in transforming education in our city, please connect with our director of development, Karn Engelsgjerd, to learn more: kengelsgjerd@greatmnschools.org.
Access a list of our funders in our 2021 annual report.
Thank you for generously supporting great schools
We’re grateful to the many foundations, individuals, and corporations that help to ensure every child in Minneapolis has access to a rigorous and relevant education.
Community members at Hope Community in Minneapolis (Bruce Silcox)