Derek Francis is a lifelong Twin Cities resident with more than 15 years of experience in education. He began his career as a school counselor at North High School and Champlin Park High School, where he focused on improving graduation outcomes for historically marginalized student.

Derek next served as Manager of Counseling and Executive Director of Equity and School Climate in Minneapolis Public Schools. In those role, he led several districtwide equity initiatives, including expanding elementary school counseling positions, drafting the district’s first Racial Harm Protocol, and creating the MPS Neighborhood Virtual Education program.

Derek is also a filmmaker and author. Derek produced the documentary Separate Not Equal – The Minnesota Integration Story, which premiered at the 2024 Twin Cities Film Festival. In January 2026, he published the historical children’s book Our First Bus Ride, which tells the story of Minnesota’s journey toward school integration beginning in 1971 with the pairing of Hale and Field Elementary Schools in Minneapolis. Through the eyes of second graders Molly and Monica, readers experience the excitement, uncertainty, and hope of one of Minnesota’s earliest school integration busing efforts.

In his free time Derek enjoys spending time with his daughter Grace, biking, trying new restaurants and live music.