Fridley Public Schools is excited to welcome these staff members to the Central Office! Learn more about each staff member below.
Aloda Sims, Equity Coordinator
We are happy to announce the promotion of Aloda Sims to the district’s Equity and Inclusion Coordinator Position.
Ms. Aloda Sims has dedicated 12 years of her career to the Fridley School District, showcasing a strong commitment to education and community engagement. Her diverse roles within the district include serving as the outreach liaison for four years, where she actively connected with various stakeholders to foster collaboration and support. Additionally, she spent four years as a cultural liaison, bridging gaps between different cultural groups and promoting diversity within the district.
Ms. Sims further demonstrated her dedication to equity and inclusion by assuming the role of lead specialist in this area for two years. In this capacity, she spearheaded initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive and equitable environment within the district, ensuring that all students and staff felt valued and respected.
Throughout her career, Ms. Sims has proven herself to be highly motivated and passionate about her work, consistently striving to make a positive impact on the educational experience of students and the broader community. Her contributions have undoubtedly played a significant role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Fridley School District.
Ms. Sims' dedication to impact learning and school culture is very important in creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and motivated to learn.
Elizabeth Jensen, District AVID Director
We are excited to share that Liz Jensen will be our new AVID District Director! Liz has been a part of Fridley Public Schools for the past 14 years as a teacher at Fridley High School.
In addition to teaching AVID, Language and Literature, and Reading in her time at FPS, she has also been the high school AVID coordinator for the past six years. Before working at Fridley, she taught fifth grade and worked in Adult Basic Education. She also serves as an IB Network Educator (IBEN) and works with the IB Equity and Excellence initiatives to enhance IB's success in urban schools.
When she is not at school, she is usually spending time in Northern Minnesota camping, hiking, and swimming with her husband and two children.
Harold Scott, Senior Officer of Academics and Innovation
With great pleasure, we announce the appointment of Harold Scott as our new Senior Officer of Academics and Innovation. Harold brings a wealth of experience (24 years!) to the role, with a proven track record of prioritizing student success and fostering a culture of innovation.
Throughout his career, Harold has consistently championed student-centered learning environments across various roles. At Cottage Grove Middle School (SoWashCo Schools), where he served as principal for the past six years, Harold spearheaded initiatives that resulted in the school becoming an AVID National Demonstration School in 2024. He is a strong advocate for equity and inclusion, demonstrably increasing graduation rates for EL students by 20% within two years and diversifying participation in advanced courses. His commitment extends beyond academics, as he played a key role in securing in-school mental health support for students.
Harold's diverse experience includes roles like PBIS Coach, District Administrator, and Principal on Special Assignment. In these positions, he honed his expertise in conflict management, EL coordination, and supporting the needs of the American Indian community. He also possesses in-depth knowledge of AVID and Talent Development programs.
Harold holds a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communications & Speech Communications from St. Cloud State University, a Master's degree in Education from the University of St. Thomas, and K-12 Principal Licensure from St. Mary's University. With his dedication, experience, and qualifications, Harold Scott is poised to make a significant impact on Fridley Public Schools.
We are confident that Harold's leadership will be instrumental in advancing our academic excellence and fostering a spirit of innovation that empowers all students to thrive.
Rochelle Cox, Senior Officer of Operations and System Alignment
We are pleased to introduce Rochelle Cox as Senior Officer of Operations and System Alignment. Rochelle has more than 33 years’ experience as an educator in the cities of St. Louis and Minneapolis. She started her career in the St. Louis/East St. Louis area as a special education teacher, specializing in inclusive practices and assistive technology.
Rochelle joined Minneapolis Public Schools in 1997 as a teacher on special assignment (TOSA) in the Early Childhood Special Education Department. She has since served in several leadership positions, including executive director of Special Education and Health Services and associate superintendent. She has also led departments such as, services for students receiving homeless/highly mobile services, homebound services, and mental health services. She has served on several boards, including the Minnesota Association of School Administrators, Association of Metropolitan School Districts, Generation Next and Achieve Twin Cities. Rochelle also served as interim superintendent at MPS since July 2022. She stepped into this leadership position shortly after playing a key role in settling a 14-day teacher strike, which followed two years of unrest in Minneapolis after George Floyd’s murder and the COVID pandemic. She is honored to have served as a catalyst of healing for MPS and proud of the district’s increase in graduation rates, enrollment stabilization and ongoing learning loss recovery.
Rochelle and her husband live on a horse farm north of the cities. They enjoy spending time with their two adult daughters, their families, and their beautiful new granddaughter. Rochelle is absolutely thrilled to be joining the Fridley Public School family. GO TIGERS!
Dr. Aimee Fearing, Director of Early Childhood and Family/Community Engagement
It is with great pleasure to announce Dr. Aimee Fearing as Director of Early Childhood and Family/Community Engagement. With 24 years of experience in public education, including 12 years in school and district leadership, Aimee is thrilled to bring her passion and expertise to Fridley Public Schools. As a dedicated educator and parent of three children, Aimee understands the importance of quality education. Having served as a teacher, principal, and in various leadership roles, including as the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning and Chief Academic Officer in Minneapolis Public Schools, Aimee is committed to ensuring every student receives an excellent education. In her current role, she oversees departments such as Early Childhood, Special Education, Community Education, Core Academics and Instruction K-12, American Indian Education, Office of Black Student Achievement, Office of Latine Achievement, and Multilingual that includes English Learners and Dual Language programs. Aimee is excited to work alongside Dr. Lewis and the Fridley community to advance our strategic mission and vision starting with our youngest learners. Let's move forward together! Go Tigers!
Lori Andler, Director of Administrative Services
Big congratulations to Lori Andler on her promotion to Director of Administrative Services! We're excited for her continued leadership at Fridley Public Schools.
Lori is a familiar face within Fridley Public Schools, having served as the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and School Board since May 2015. Her dedication extends beyond her role, as a proud parent of two Fridley Tigers: Ethan, graduating this year (class of 2024), and Aidan, following closely behind (class of 2025). You can often find Lori cheering on our students at sporting events, concerts, and theater productions.
Lori's connections within the district run deep. Known for her calm demeanor and ability to handle numerous projects with a smile, she is a valued voice across Fridley Public Schools.
In her new role, Lori will continue her Executive Assistant role and oversee district communications, enrollment, and MARSS reporting. She will also be a key member of the Superintendent's cabinet.
Please join us in congratulating Lori on this well-deserved promotion!