St. Paul Public Schools Superintendent Valeria Silva could be on her way out as leader of the state's second-largest district — barely six months into her new three-year contract — as criticism of her leadership has grown.
In a three-paragraph statement, the school board announced Wednesday that the board and Silva were exploring "various transition options" and "accompanying obligations" to the district under Silva's agreement.
The announcement came amid rumors in the district that a buyout could be announced later this week.
If a deal is struck, it would come on the heels of a tumultuous 2015-16 school year marred by repeat instances of student-on-staff violence and other school climate and safety concerns — issues that the district's teachers union considered serious enough to strike over.
A walkout was averted when the district and union reached a deal in February to allow schools to pilot new ways to tackle school-discipline problems. But two months later, district parents presented a petition to board members seeking Silva's ouster, citing not only the discipline concerns, but enrollment losses to charter schools and alleged attempts to stifle teachers who were critical of her policies.
Silva and her leadership team are "causing damage to our schools," Tasha Rose, a district parent, told board members that night to applause.
Denise Rodriguez, president of the St. Paul Federation of Teachers, said Wednesday that she would not comment about Silva's possible exit for now.
"I want to be respectful of the discussions that are taking place between the board and the superintendent," she said.