The Minneapolis schools communications chief has resigned after starting her district role in January.

Tonya Tennessen, formerly head spokeswoman for St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, stepped down from her job manning Minneapolis Public Schools communications, effective last Friday. She didn't give a reason for her resignation.

"I have tremendous respect for the superintendent and his commitment to equity, to kids and to getting the district into a more stable financial position," she said.

In an e-mailed statement Monday, Superintendent Ed Graff said he respected "the work of Ms. Tennessen on numerous District priorities including support of our legislative agenda, town hall meetings with immigrant families, and a host of other topics."

Tennessen is a Minneapolis schools alumnae, and a parent and former district teacher.

Meanwhile, Chief of Staff Suzanne Kelly will lead the communication and family and community engagement departments, Graff said in an e-mail to the school board Monday.

A March e-mail obtained by the Star Tribune shows that the district's communications and community and family engagement departments are blending, meaning that some of these positions won't continue after July 1 and fresh ones will be announced. Tennessen had been leading this organization shift.

Graff's Monday e-mail to the board said that this restructuring will move forward.

"The new structure has been developed to deliver stronger communication and engagement for the district and communities within our current budget constraints," he said in the e-mail to the school board.