Boston

Boston Public Schools Names New Superintendent

The Boston Public School District has selected its new superintendent.

In a 5-2 vote, the district says the Boston School Committee chose Dr. Brenda Cassellius to be its new leader.

Cassellius is a former education commissioner in Minnesota. She enacted comprehensive reform to the education system there and "oversaw historically high grad rates with a focus on equity," Boston Public Schools said.

"The Boston Teachers Union congratulates Dr. Brenda Cassellius on her selection as the new Superintendent of Boston Public Schools. We applaud her commitment to equity and appreciate her first-hand experience at all levels of education," Jessica Tang, the union's president, said in a statement. "We hope to resolve our long-standing need for a new contract that helps ensure the schools our students deserve. We are eager to work with Dr. Cassellius to reach an agreement that includes proper staffing for special education inclusion programs for students in every Boston Public School, to provide for a full-time nurse and licensed counselor in every school, and to address student homelessness through initiatives including Hub Community Schools."

Tommy Chang stepped down as Boston's superintendent last June following a string of controversies, including racial tension at Boston Latin School. He and the district had been sued by a civil rights group after school officials allegedly sent information about a student to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The student was ultimately deported.

Laura Perille was appointed to be the district's interim superintendent.

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