Alright – so, One of my favorite state agency commissioners, Dr. Brenda Cassellius of Minnesota Department of Education has applied to be the next Superintendent for Minneapolis Public Schools. While it is sad to lose Commissioner Cassellius at MDE, she will make an amazing leader at MPS. I just send below email to the board asking for their support and hire Dr. Cassellius. She is qualified and has the can do attitude to uplift all kids in the district.
Dear Madam Chair and Minneapolis School Board Members,
My name is Idil Abdull, I am an autism mom and advocate. I am writing this letter to you in support of Dr. Brenda Cassellius to be the next Minneapolis Public Schools superintendent.
I am sure you have a difficult task selecting the best qualified person that will assure not just decreasing racial education gap, but all kids learn to their full potential, all parents listened to and all communities engaged. Dr. Cassellius is the perfect and the right person to accomplish all of that and more.
I have contacted Dr. Cassellius more times than I can count asking help and support for autism. She has always addressed whatever the issue big or small. She has never told me once she was too important to speak with a parent because she was a commissioner for the whole state education department or she was too busy. Dr. Cassellius always made time for everyone in every concern. She is easily approachable and engaging with every parent and community member. Dr. Cassellius looks at every education problem with a compassionate heart, a practical mind and a thoughtful soul.
One perfect example: I went to a workshop that was done by Pacer with funding from Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) few years ago for parents with special needs children. There were many parents and I was the only parent from a minority community. I remember vividly every word the speakers said in educating these families. My favorite part was when they taught the parents how to talk to their child’s teacher and how to advocate for their child’s strengths. I remember thinking “wow”. Imagine if parents from under-served communities also learned this and were able to speak and advocate for their children.
Needless to say, I contacted Commissioner Cassellius and then Assistant Commissioner Elia Bruggeman. Without hesitation or delays, they both met with me and one of our community leaders, Mr. Mohamed Mohamud of Somali American Parent Association. We asked Commissioner Cassellius if MDE can do similar workshop for our community (see attached notice). Without even a blink or delay, she agreed and asked Elia Bruggeman to work with us. In just short few weeks after that MDE sponsored a workshop to educate and empower our community.
Another example: Maybe a year ago or so I contacted Commissioner Cassellius about a child with autism in Harrison Education school in Minneapolis. I think I might’ve contacted the Mpls board as well who also has been very helpful. Commissioner Cassellius contacted Mr. Goar and asked to help this child.
You see – no matter the issue whether it is for one child or a whole community, Dr. Cassellius finds a thoughtful and practical way to address it.
I know she will make a fantastic superintendent in Minneapolis Public Schools. I hope you give Dr. Cassellius the opportunity to use her talents, expertise and background to help all students in Minneapolis public schools.
I thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Idil Abdull – Autism mom and Minority Advocate
As usual, above words do not reflect any agency, committee or candidate.