Superintendent Appoints Proven Leaders to Drive Excellence in Milwaukee Public Schools

MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) Superintendent Brenda Cassellius today announced appointments of senior level personnel as she continues to build her leadership team who will drive academic and operational excellence throughout the district. The appointments include Dr. Elia Bruggeman and Dr. Kurt Schneider, who will serve as Academic Superintendents for high schools and elementary schools, respectively. Dr. Gabriela Bell Jiménez will serve as Academic Superintendent for Literacy, and Tony Tagliavia will serve as Chief Communications Officer. Mike Turza will serve as Interim Chief Operating Officer.

“We are assembling a team with a proven track record of success and a clear vision of what is needed to lead Milwaukee Public Schools into a new era of excellence,” said Dr. Cassellius. “Our students deserve nothing less than our full commitment to ensuring they have every opportunity and resource to thrive. This moment calls for courageous leadership, and I am confident our team will bring the focus, energy, and urgency needed to accelerate academic achievement, deepen trust with our families and staff, and build powerful partnerships across our city.”

The appointments announced today initiate the first phase of restructuring the superintendent announced in May to focus on key areas outlined in recent audits. The restructuring will position the district for rapid improvement, establish trust, and deliver academic outcomes for students, particularly in literacy.

The appointees will join senior leaders previously announced, including Eduardo Galván as Deputy Superintendent, Michael Harris as Chief of Staff; Paulette Chambers as Chief Advisor to the Superintendent, Jennifer Mims-Howell as Chief Academic Officer, and Aycha Sawa as Chief Financial Officer.

The district has launched a robust recruitment effort to identify talent for other critical roles including Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Schools Officer, and Chief Family, Community, and Partnerships Officer.

Members of the team will begin their roles in July.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.