MN education commissioner applies for Minneapolis superintendent job
State Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius has applied to be the superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools.
The school district said she submitted her application Friday before the noon deadline for applicants.
In a written statement, she said she's a Minneapolis resident and parent and was approached by the district's search firm to consider applying.
"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."
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Cassellius has been the head of the state department of education since 2010.
Gov. Mark Dayton said in a written statement while he doesn't want Cassellius to leave the department, he thinks she's the best candidate for any position she pursues.
"Brenda Cassellius is a superb Commissioner of Education," he said. "Her tireless efforts to improve our public schools have been transformative in the lives of Minnesota's children, families, and teachers."
The Minneapolis School Board has said it would like to have a superintendent hired by early summer.