New St. Paul Superintendent Says He Won't Be A Seat Warmer

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- St. Paul Public Schools says the new interim superintendent has experience, integrity, and a record of creating equality.

On Tuesday night, Valeria Silva stepped down just 6 months into her three year contract.

As superintendent, she faced sharp criticism over the district's declining enrollment, $15 million budget gap and violence within the schools.

Now in her 29th year with the district, Silva will transition to an advisory role.

On Wednesday, the school board introduced John Tine as her temporary replacement.

He retired as superintendent of Roseville Public Schools last year.

Tine said he will not be a seat warmer and that he is aware of the problems facing the district.

Tine will start in his new role July 18.

The district has not set a deadline to hire a permanent replacement.