FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 7, 2011 MEDIA CONTACT: Emily R.

Lowther Communications & Public Affairs Specialist, Senior 612.668.0237 emily.lowther@mpls.k12.mn.us

Minneapolis Public Schools names new chief financial officer

MINNEAPOLIS Superintendent Bernadeia Johnson on December 7 announced the selection of Robert Doty as chief financial officer for Minneapolis Public Schools effective December 20, 2011. The chief financial officer provides leadership to maintain financial stability and sustainability in the management of MPS resources while ensuring discipline, accountability, internal controls, transparency and compliance with laws and MPS policies. Robert is a well-respected senior-level executive who brings extensive finance, administration and public accounting experience, said Johnson. His proven ability to improve operations, his strong qualifications in general management and business planning and his leadership skills will be crucial to our efforts to create sustainable finances as outlined in our strategic plan. Doty has worked at DFA Financial Services in St. Paul as a consultant since 2000 and as a partner since 2010. He jointly developed and managed the firm, which serves small to medium businesses in construction, waste management and manufacturing. During his career, Doty has also been employed by Dunwoody College of Technology as vice president/controller from 1997 to 2002 and senior vice president/chief financial officer from 2002-2010. Prior to that, he served as director of finance and operations for Independent Television Service, Inc., from 1995 to 1997, senior auditor of St. Paul Travelers Insurance Co. from 1992 to 1995, corporate audit supervisor for Burlington Northern Railroad from 1989 to 1992. He began his career at Ernst & Young, working as staff auditor from 1985 to 1987 and senior auditor from 1987 to 1989. Doty received both his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and his Master of Business Administration degree from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. He is a certified public accountant in Minnesota. Of his new position, Doty said, I am excited to begin work in the Minneapolis Public Schools, one of the nations major urban school districts. I look forward to continuing the school districts commitment to sustainable financial management and responsible stewardship of public funds. ###