Brenda Cassellius, former Minnesota commissioner of education, is among seven candidates for Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District superintendent.
The school district’s Board of Education on Monday accepted a slate of semifinalists from search firm School Exec Connect. Superintendent Cindy Amoroso is retiring June 30.
The other candidates are:
- Theresa Battle, assistant superintendent for St. Paul Public Schools
- Anthony Bonds, assistant superintendent for teaching, learning and innovation in Beloit, Wis., Public Schools
- Ryan Laager, superintendent of Belle Plaine, Minn., Public Schools
- Jeff Pesta, superintendent of Kenyon-Wanamingo, Minn., Public Schools
- Leadriane Roby, assistant superintendent in Richfield Public Schools
- Cecilia Saddler, deputy chief of academics, leadership and learning for Minneapolis Public Schools
Cassellius was appointed state commissioner of education in 2010 by then-Gov. Mark Dayton, and was replaced by Mary Cathryn Ricker when Gov. Tim Walz took office in January.
Cassellius was previously a classroom teacher, administrator and superintendent for several school systems, including East Metro Integration District.
Whoever lands the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage job will immediately be tasked with leading the district through expected budget shortfalls in future years, including a projected $7 million deficit in the 2019-20 school year. The district points to lagging state aid, underfunding for special services and declining enrollment as reasons why it is in the hole.
In mid-March, the school board heard final proposed budget cuts totaling $6.5 million; a vote is expected in June.
The candidates were scheduled for a first round of interviews with board members Tuesday and Wednesday.
The board will then select two or three finalists who will participate in all-day interviews with students, staff and community members at meetings scheduled for the week of April 15.
The meetings are tentatively scheduled for three days — April 15-17 — at Diamondhead Education Center, 200 W. Burnsville Parkway. Times are 5 to 6 p.m.
Following the meetings, the board will interview each candidate and possibly choose a preferred candidate by the end of April 17.