Superintendent
Eastern Carver County Schools
“Lisa exemplifies a servant leader. She holds the highest ideals and standards for educational leaders, promotes academic excellence, cooperation, cultural awareness, and respect for diversity,” said Dr. Theresa Battle, Superintendent of the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District. “Lisa wants students to thrive socially, emotionally and educationally and not only do well in school, but in life. She works compassionately and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders on critical issues and creates transparency and engagement to find solutions and resolve issues.”
Dr. Sayles-Adams began her role as Superintendent of Eastern Carver County Schools on July 1, 2020. Prior to the superintendency, she served as Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools and Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning for North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District, and as a Principal and then Assistant Superintendent for Saint Paul Public Schools. She began her career in education as a Middle School Teacher with Minneapolis Public Schools.
During her time at Eastern Carver County Schools, Dr. Sayles-Adams has successfully led the district through a global pandemic, a successful operating referendum campaign with the highest passage rate in the state (69%), and launched a comprehensive strategic plan. These accomplishments occurred through thoughtful stakeholder engagement, listening and building trust, and always keeping the district’s work focused on its central mission: providing a well-rounded and excellent education for every student.
Amid racial controversy and community divide, Dr. Sayles-Adams made efforts to create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment within the district. She led her team through the creation of a comprehensive racial harm protocol to interrupt and eliminate disparaging comments and inappropriate behavior related to race-based language and actions. The racial harm protocol includes job-embedded staff development, revised district policies and procedures, restorative practices, student support, and transparent communication. Student voice and stakeholder feedback have been integral to revising effective systems, processes, and the way adults respond to student needs within Eastern Carver County Schools.
Dr. Sayles-Adams is an active member in MASA. She has been a member of the MASA BIPOC Affinity Group and the MASA Nominating Committee. She is a graduate of the Minnesota Aspiring Superintendent’s Academy.
Dr. Sayles-Adams’ other professional involvement includes the Association of Metropolitan School Districts (AMSD), American Association of School Administrators (AASA), Metropolitan Educational Cooperative Service Unit (Metro ESCU) Board Member, and Southwest Metro Chamber of Commerce Board Member.
Dr. Sayles-Adams earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She received a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
