A new superintendent takes the reins of Boston Public Schools Monday, and she will be tasked with helping to improve the relationship between Boston's schools and the communities they serve.
Brenda Cassellius begins a three-year contract in Boston after serving as the commissioner of education for the state of Minnesota, and she said she intends to begin her new job by hiring the right people.
“I just want to begin by coming in and building a strong team,” she said, “[and find] those ... factors that really help to, in a holistic way, ensure that children are successful.”
Last week Cassellius announced her executive leadership team, which is larger and more diverse than the previous team.
“I worked really hard … to find talent within the school district and to look for school leaders and central office staff who exhibited a strong passion to help children be the best that they can possibly be,” she said. “Having a diverse background is just the cherry on top.”
She said it's important for children to have role models that look like them and share similar histories.
Cassellius’ arrival also comes as Boston teachers start the academic year with a new contract, which does not include mental health care providers at all schools in the district. She said her goal is to work with community-based partners to fill in the gaps.
“I always say, 'Children don't come just by themselves,” said Cassellius. "They really are members of systems — school systems, family systems and community systems — and we need to wrap our arms around them and support them in a holistic way.”
