Superintendent candidates at Milwaukee forum emphasize literacy, equity, staffing and safety

Milwaukee public attendees heard three finalists for the next Milwaukee Public Schools superintendent lay out competing priorities and approaches at a board-organized forum Tuesday night.

Dr. Brenda Cassellius, CEO of Fresh Energy and a former Minnesota state education commissioner and Boston superintendent, said the district must lift literacy, attendance and graduation rates while centering children, families and community supports. “I always talk about children, families, and community,” Cassellius said. She highlighted early-childhood phonics and K–3 bilingual pathways, and pointed to state-level requirements she identified as “Act 20” on phonics instruction.

Dr. Joshua Stark, a former superintendent and K–12 leader who has worked in urban districts and the nonprofit and corporate sectors, framed the work around system choices and accountability. “What do we allow? What do we permit?” Stark asked, arguing that transparency, collective decision making and clearer processes are needed to bring consistent performance across schools.

Dr. Andre Townsel, currently superintendent of Calvert County Public Schools in Maryland, emphasized visible, direct leadership and message amplification: “I’m visible, I’m vocal, and I’m vigilant,” he told the audience. Townsel described targeted literacy investments and financial measures he said produced results in his district.

Why it matters: Milwaukee Public…