In the interest of providing services that are as efficient, effective, customer focused, and nimble as possible, the Division of Policy & Operations is embarking on a functional analysis of three of its largest departments: facilities, plant operations, and transportation. An analysis of other departments in the Division will follow over the next year. MPS has contracted with Evergreen Solutions to conduct the study. The consultants at Evergreen have completed hundreds of management, performance, and organizational reviews for school districts around the country. In calling for this study, MPS is recognizing that there are opportunities to optimize the overall structure, staffing, processes, practices, and organizational culture of these functions.
The project will be as inclusive as possible. Department employees and key customer groups will be interviewed and surveyed to ensure their voice is incorporated into the study. MPS leadership does not have a predetermined outcome for this study except to provide the best service possible for the students of Minneapolis Public Schools.
Process
The consultants will be on-site 2/17, 2/18, and 2/19 to conduct an initial review of the Facilities, Plant Operations / Transportation Departments. During this phase of work, interviews will be conducted with key district and department leaders and a survey will be sent to department employees and customers. The consultants will return to MPS during the week of March 2 to visit sites, conduct focus groups with staff and customer groups, and collect additional data. A final report containing recommendations for improvement will be submitted to MPS by April 17. Recommendations will address both organizational redesign opportunities as well as processes and practices that should be modified.
Organization
Pam Blackamoore, Executive Director, Plant Operations/Transportation Brenda Cassellius, Associate Superintendent Peggy Ingison, Chief Financial Officer Scott James, Assistant Director, Plant Operations/TransportationClyde Kane, Interim Director, Facilities Steve Liss, Chief of Policy and Operations Mitch Trockman, District Operations Specialist