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Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Finalists Named

On Friday, January 31, 2025, at a Special meeting, the Milwaukee Board of School Directors named its finalists for the role of Superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools.

"We are pleased by the number of stellar candidates who applied to be considered for the role of Superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools," President Herndon shared. "We look forward to bringing the finalists to Milwaukee next week to meet with our stakeholders."

Over 50 applications for the role were received and 48 candidates were considered. The Board narrowed the candidate pool to the three finalists who it believes to be well positioned to serve the Milwaukee community.

Today, the Board is pleased to announce that the following three education leaders as its finalists:

Dr. Brenda Cassellius, former Superintendent for Boston Public Schools, MA

Dr. Joshua Starr, former Superintendent for Montgomery County Public Schools, MD

Dr. Andraé Townsel, current Superintendent for Calvert County Public Schools, MD


Finalists Days in the District

February 6th: Meet and Greet Opportunities

The selected finalists have been invited to spend two days in the District, on February 6th and 7th, 2025, participating in interviews, visiting schools and meeting with stakeholders.

There will be two opportunities on February 6th for community members to hear from and provide feedback on the Superintendent Finalists Candidates.

Community stakeholder meetings with the finalists will be held at MPS Central Office – 5225 West Vliet Street in the Auditorium on Thursday, February 6th. The first session will run from 1:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. and the second session will run from 5:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. The schedule will go as follows:

Community Forums with the Finalists

February 6th, 1:00 – 3:45 pm and 5:30 – 8:15 pm, Central Services Auditorium

1:00 – 1:45 - Candidate 1

2:00 – 2:45 – Candidate 2

3:00 – 3:45 – Candidate 3

Break

5:30 – 6:15 - Candidate 1

6:30 – 7:15 – Candidate 2

7:30 – 8:15 – Candidate 3

Candidates will be introduced by the Board Clerk, Dr. Tina Owen-Moore.

Finalists will give a brief introduction and share their vision and goals for the district. Leaders from HYA, the superintendent search firm, will moderate questions from the community.

Following each presentation, community members will be able to provide feedback on the candidate for the Board's consideration using a QR code that will be provided.

For more information, please contact the MPS Office of Board Governance at (414) 475-8284 or at governance@milwaukee.k12.wi.us.

The Board aims to announce Milwaukee's next Superintendent in late February or early March.

Media Requests

For media requests, complete the Media Request Form or contact the Media Relations Manager at davis2@milwaukee.k12.wi.us or (414) 475-8675.

About Milwaukee Public Schools

Milwaukee Public Schools is committed to accelerating student achievement, building positive relationships between youth and adults and cultivating leadership at all levels. The district’s commitment to improvement continues to show results:

  • Ninety-four percent of 2023-24 budget dollars go to support schools;
  • The MPS Class of 2024 earned $113 million in scholarships and grants; and
  • MPS is home to five of the state's top high schools according to U.S. News and World Report.

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© Milwaukee Public Schools 2025
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