Milwaukee School Board names finalists for superintendent position in special meeting

The Milwaukee Board of School Directors convened a special meeting on January 31, 2025, at 4 PM in the Central Services Building to discuss the selection of candidates for the position of superintendent of schools. The meeting was broadcasted on WYMS Radio 88.9 FM and via livestream on the MPS YouTube channel.

President Marva Herndon opened the meeting by confirming a quorum and outlining the agenda, which focused on deliberations regarding superintendent candidates. The board planned to enter a closed session to consider employment matters as permitted under Wisconsin Statutes.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance and a land acknowledgment recognizing the traditional homelands of the Menominee, Potawatomi, and Ho-Chunk Nations, the board moved to retire to closed session. A motion was made by Director Ferguson and seconded by Director Simpson, which passed unanimously.

Upon returning to open session, Director Zomber proposed the designation of three finalists for the superintendent position: Dr. Brenda Casilius, Dr. Joshua Starr, and Dr. Andre Townsel. This motion was seconded by Director Garcia and also passed with unanimous support.

Looking ahead, the board announced that the finalists would visit Milwaukee Public Schools on February 6 and 7, where they would tour schools and engage with stakeholder groups. Final interviews are scheduled for February 7, with public sessions on February 6 for community members to learn more about the candidates. Each finalist will present their vision for the district and respond to questions from attendees. Feedback will be collected via QR codes provided after each session.

The meeting concluded with a reminder for the community to participate in the upcoming sessions, emphasizing the board's commitment to transparency and public involvement in the selection process.