Minnesota’s education commissioner heads an agency of more than 450 employees, charged with the mission of improving educational achievement for children from PreK-12. Commissioner Cassellius works closely with Governor Mark Dayton to promote a wide variety of early learning and K-12 education policies and initiatives designed to challenge Minnesota students with rigor and relevance, while maintaining accountability for results.
As Chief of Staff, Charlene oversees actitivies for the Office of the Commissioner. As Director of Communications, she oversees internal and external communications for the Minnesota Department of Education, and is the main contact for members of the media.
Deputy Commissioner Jessie Montano is responsible for the day to day operations of the Minnesota Department of Education, including establishing fiscal policy, agency management and human resource operations as well as oversight of the legislative agenda, special education compliance, Q Comp and accountability issues.
Assistant Commissioner Elia Dimayuga-Bruggeman oversees the department’s programs for compliance and assistance, education innovation, food and nutrition, safe and healthy schools and special education policy.
Assistant Commissioner Dr. Rose Wan-Mui Chu oversees the agency’s programs in academic standards, educator licensing, high school improvement, career and technical education, adult basic education and state library services.
Assistant Commissioner Rose Hermodson oversees the department’s programs for charter schools.
As Director of Government Relations, Kevin oversees all legislative issues pertaining to education in Minnesota,including developing the legislative agenda and managing legislative activity.
