Mpls. Superintendent: Job 'Is Not About One Person'

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- New Minneapolis superintendent Ed Graff has been on the job for two weeks now, and sat down with WCCO for a one-on-one interview Friday afternoon.

Graff previously served as Superintendent of Anchorage Schools in Alaska. He was hired by Minneapolis this spring and today he talked about the strengths he brings to the district, and the challenges he faces.

"This is not about one person. This is about 37,000 students and ensuring that we come together and meet their needs. And if we do it right it's going to last a long time. Not only will the students see the benefits but the community will as well," he said.

Graff says he has also met with civic and civil rights leaders about ways to build relationships between the schools and their communities, and talked about closing the achievement gap between white students and students of color.

"It's something that we haven't quite figured out. It starts with students and understanding of what our priorities are, or more specifically, who our priorities are. If we are wiling and wanting to change ... we have to commit to it," he said.