Program transition update for Benjamin E. Mays

Dear Benjamin E. Mays Families and Staff,

At the April 22 Board of Education meeting, the Board approved a revised plan for Benjamin E. Mays to transition its focus from the current International Baccalaureate (IB) program to an Afrocentric program starting in fall 2026. The IB program will remain in place for the upcoming 2025-26 school year.

This new timeline is the result of additional conversation and thoughtful planning in collaboration with the Benjamin E. Mays Parent Advisory Council, school staff, and the Afrocentric workgroup to ensure this new program will be successful. We are excited about this opportunity to provide the children of St. Paul with a program focused on the African American experience, history and culture.

To allow additional time for school community engagement and planning, this change will not go into effect until fall 2026—more than a year from now.

All current and incoming families will have the option to stay at Benjamin E. Mays when the Afrocentric program begins in fall 2026. Families who wish to continue with an IB program will have the option to enroll your child(ren) in an IB program at another SPPS elementary school. Families who are not interested in IB at another school or the Afrocentric program can apply to an SPPS school of their choice for the 2026-27 school year.

Please know you do not need to take any action now. All students will remain enrolled at Benjamin E. Mays unless a family chooses to enroll their children at another school at a later date. 

More information, including how to get involved in the planning for the new Afrocentric program, will be shared once school starts in the fall.

In partnership, 

Jackie Turner

Executive Chief, Administration and Operations

Saint Paul Public Schools