What does Milwaukee want in the next MPS superintendent? We asked.

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The MPS Board of School Directors on Friday interviewed the three finalists in the district's search for a new superintendent. The board also announced it has scheduled a special meeting for Tuesday, where it will deliberate and could possibly name their selection that night.

The interviews took place one day after the finalists pitched themselves to the public in a pair of open forums at the district's central office. Each of the candidates have past experience running a school district:

-Dr. Brenda Cassellius, CEO of environmental advocacy group, Fresh Energy, and previously superintendent of Boston Public Schools and Minnesota's commissioner of education

-Dr. Joshua Starr, managing partner at The Center for Model Schools and former superintendent of Montgomery County, Maryland Schools

-Dr. Andrae Townsel, superintendent of Calvert County, Maryland Schools

During their two-day visit to Milwaukee, the candidates also took questions from the district's Superintendent Student Advisory Council. Owen Driscoll, a member of the committee and a senior at Rufus King High School, said the stakes couldn't be higher for this hire.

"Every time I feel like we can't go lower, I feel like we do," he said. "I don't necessarily think that's any one person's fault. I think it's a systemic failure, both from the federal government, the state government, lack of leadership from the county and city, but also, the school board and the superintendent needing to make sure that they're on top of their stuff."

Manuel Ishag, another member of the committee and another Rufus King senior, said he was hoping the next leader would inspire a turnaround in the classroom. Recent national testing data found that among big city districts, only Detroit had a worse 4th grade reading score than Milwaukee.

"My most important things are transparency and a focus on academics," Ishag said. "I really think MPS has great potential, and I think that potential can be seized through community involvement and a focus on what really matters."

Ronda Davis, an MPS alum whose children also graduated from the district, said she wanted a superintendent who is bold and "will lead with integrity." However, she repeatedly stated a belief the community, itself, would have a lot to do with whether the district's next leader is ultimately successful.

"We do a great job of pointing fingers," she said. "But now, it's about stepping up and saying, 'What is my part?'"

"I don't even have children. My children have graduated from MPS schools, so you would say, do I have skin in the game? Sure, I do, because I'm a taxpayer in this community."

Layli McLaughlin, who interprets sign language in the district's schools, said she wanted a superintendent who would prioritize both the district's students and staff.

"Being a good listener, collaboration," she said. "I suppose organization would be a good one, and transparency."

When asked what she'd tackle first if she were superintendent, McLaughlin wasn't sure where to begin.

"My gosh, that is such loaded question," she said. "Because I would never do this job! I would never want to be in this position."

Ishag and Driscoll both mentioned the district's finances, which are a sore spot for MPS after a scandal rocked the district last spring.

Former superintendent Keith Posley resigned after Department of Public Instruction revealed in May the district had failed to submit audited financial data that was due the previous September. The revelation came just weeks after voters narrowly passed a $252 million referendum for the district.

Data the district previously submitted was inaccurate, leading to overpayments the state clawed back from the district this summer. This week, multiple sources told CBS 58 MPS' new comptroller, Begmurad Nepesov, had left the district after only two weeks on the job. The district has refused to confirm whether or Nepesov remains employed by MPS.

"We need to make sure we're on top of our finances," Driscoll said. "And we need to make sure we're using our resources effectively."

Board officials have said they'll weigh public feedback when making a final decision. All three finalists stated a desire to empower principals and teachers to drive an academic turnaround. Davis said change will have to come from outside of schools, too.

"I think it's a very critical moment," she said. "It's a time where we have to all look at ourselves and be very reflective."