New MPS Superintendent to Start Early

Brenda Cassellius. Photo from MPS.

Brenda Cassellius will become Milwaukee’s new school superintendent on March 15, months earlier than what was expected. The original starting date was to be July 1, but that was been moved up. The interim superintendent, Eduardo Galvan, had his contract modified at the Tuesday March 4 meeting to become interim deputy superintendent. State law only allow a school district to have a single superintendent at a time. Galvan will assist Cassellius with the transition and serve until July 1.

“On behalf of the board, I want to express my excitement for this new chapter in our school district,” board President Marva Herndon said in a press release by the district. “The board recognizes that a superintendent is not just a position of leadership. It is a position of vision, inspiration, and service, and about ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed, to grow, and to thrive.”

“With Dr. Cassellius at the helm, the board is confident that our district will continue to rise to the challenges of an ever-changing educational landscape,” Herndon added.

The contract approved by the board is for two years, a duration that cannot be exceeded by Wisconsin state law. One-year renewals after that are allowed.

“It is with enormous gratitude and optimism that I take on this responsibility,” Cassellius said. “I am eager to get to work, to meet our community, find ways to work together, and to start a new chapter for MPS. I am honored to work with the educators and staff who serve our students each and every day and believe there is no higher professional calling than being an educator. I have great expectations for Milwaukee Public Schools, and I know that through hard work, honest conversations, and a commitment to our students, we will accomplish big things together.”

Cassellius previously served as superintendent of Boston Public Schools and as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education. She has worked at every level of public education, from special education paraprofessional and social studies teacher to academic superintendent for middle schools.
As Cassellius stated in a previous Urban Milwaukee story, she has a good working relationship with Galvan who probably will take on more of the day-to-day stuff while she plans long term. One issue that will arise quickly: Cassellius’ starting date of March 15 is also the date by which School Resource Officers are required to be placed in MPS schools.