Minnesota Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius has applied for the superintendency of Minneapolis Public Schools.
In a statement released through the Department of Education, she said the school board’s search firm asked her to apply.
“In thinking about it, I see this as an opportunity to extend my service to our state, and have submitted my name for consideration,” she said.
“No matter how the school board’s process moves forward, my work as commissioner continues. I am committed to doing everything I can to ensure the district’s success, whether as commissioner or as superintendent.”
Cassellius, 48, was superintendent of the East Metro Integration District, serving St. Paul and several suburban districts, when Gov. Mark Dayton appointed her education commissioner in 2010. She previously was an associate superintendent in the Minneapolis district.
“As a Minneapolis resident and parent, I love this city and its schools,” she said. “I know that if Minnesota is going to be successful in closing achievement gaps and ensuring an excellent education for all students, Minneapolis Public Schools must also be successful.”
Cassellius declined to comment further when reached by phone Friday.
The Minneapolis district has been without a permanent superintendent since Bernadeia Johnson resigned in December 2014. The school board tabbed Sergio Paez a year later but broke off contract talks over concerns about the treatment of special education students at his former school district in Holyoke, Mass.
A selection committee will meet Tuesday to select three to five semifinalists. Finalists will be named a month later.