Milwaukee City Wire

MPS Superintendent Brenda Cassellius has made new appointments to her senior leadership team as part of her strategy to enhance academic and operational excellence in the district.

The newly appointed members are Elia Bruggeman, EdD, who will serve as the academic superintendent for high schools. Bruggeman, originally from Mexico, brings over 30 years of educational experience, having worked in Boston and Minnesota. Her past roles include serving as an assistant commissioner of education in Minnesota.

Gabriela Bell Jiménez, PhD, has been named academic superintendent for literacy. She was previously the director of instruction for literacy, biliteracy, arts, world language, and humanities at the Madison Metropolitan School District. Bell Jiménez is known for her expertise in handling complex educational reforms such as Act 20.

Kurt Schneider, PhD, will take on the role of academic superintendent for elementary schools. He comes from TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804 in Highland Park, Illinois. His prior work includes being recognized nationally for his efforts in systems change while serving as director of student services for the Stoughton Area School District.

Tony Tagliavia joins as chief communications officer. An MPS parent himself, Tagliavia is currently chief marketing officer at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) and has previous experience with MPS in student recruitment and media management roles.

Mike Turza has been appointed interim chief operating officer. Turza has been working as interim director of the MPS Department of Facilities and Maintenance Services since March and had previously served the district from 1987 until his retirement in 2015.

The new team members will start their roles in July. Dr. Cassellius expressed confidence in the team's ability to lead Milwaukee Public Schools into a "new era of excellence," stating that they have a "proven track record of success" and a "clear vision" necessary to drive improvements within the district.

This restructuring marks the first phase announced by Dr. Cassellius back in May aimed at addressing key areas highlighted by recent audits with an emphasis on literacy outcomes among students.

These appointees join other senior leaders including Eduardo Galván as deputy superintendent; Michael Harris as chief of staff; Paulette Chambers as chief advisor to the superintendent; Jennifer Mims-Howell as chief academic officer; and Aycha Sawa as chief financial officer.

The district is also actively recruiting talent for several critical positions including chief human resources officer, chief schools officer, and chief family community partnerships officer.