St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman says he focusing on closing the achievement gap for communities of color over the next four years.
Coleman, elected mayor for a third four-year term by a large margin in November, publicly celebrated his re-election at the recently restored Union Depot in downtown St. Paul after officially taking his oath of office during a private ceremony the day before.
During a speech at Friday’s inauguration, Coleman praised city leadership for supporting the recent expansion of local transportation systems, improving building and business infrastructure and planning new environmental initiatives.
Coleman also listed the legalization of same-sex marriage in Minnesota as a highlight of his last term, stating that together, “We created a place for all families in our midst.”
But, Coleman said, there is much more work to be done and it begins with the educational system.
“I’ve often said that education is my crime fighting strategy, my neighborhood revitalization strategy and my economic development strategy,” the 52-year-old Coleman said.
By collaborating with stakeholders to critically examine the inequalities present in our classrooms and communities, Coleman said the city must fundamentally change the educational system for all students.
“We all play a role in that process,” he said.
Coleman said he was rededicating his efforts toward improving education for all St. Paul children, regardless of their economic, social or racial background.
“Our most important work begins with children,” he said. “Closing the achievement gap while raising the outcomes for all children will be the true measure of which my administration and our city will be judged.”
Ending his speech, Coleman described his vision for the city and the community’s collaborative role as change-makers for St. Paul. Distributed by OneLoad.com
