Edina board approves mutual termination with Superintendent Stacy Stanley, sets April 18 transition date

The Edina Public Schools Board approved a mutual termination of employment agreement with Superintendent Dr. Stacy Stanley that sets her final day as April 18, 2025.

The vote followed a presentation by Vice Chair Erica Ellenberg explaining that Stanley informed the governance committee in mid-January she was negotiating a superintendent contract with Saint Paul Public Schools and sought an early release. Ellenberg said the governance committee and Stanley negotiated the mutual termination agreement to provide a firm departure date so the district can recruit an interim superintendent and ensure overlap for transition planning.

Board members discussed transition planning during the meeting. Director Bergman asked whether the agreement or process includes explicit obligations for handover; governance members said transition details have been discussed with legal counsel and will be managed by the district and the governance committee rather than formalized in the termination document. Dr. Stanley said she intends to “make certain that Edina is left in the best place” and to support a smooth handoff.

The governance committee also reviewed a timeline for the interim and permanent superintendent search. The district’s leadership profile and job posting will be posted Wednesday on the district and Minnesota School Boards Association websites; applications will be accepted through Friday, Feb. 21. The committee expects to narrow candidates in late February, interview finalists the last week of February, and consider an interim appointment at the March 3 board meeting.

Ellenberg characterized the mutual termination agreement as a practical step required to proceed with recruitment: without a set departure date, she said, it is difficult to post the position and ask candidates to apply. The board voted to approve the agreement by voice vote.