MPS interim superintendent Goar still wants consideration for permanent job

Despite protests at last week's board meeting, Minneapolis Public Schools interim superintendent Michael Goar said he still wants to be considered for the permanent job.

School board members began talking about hiring Goar as the permanent superintendent, but that discussion was interrupted by protesters contending he hasn't done enough to help African-American students. The protesters demanded the board restart its superintendent search.

Still, Goar said in an interview that closing the achievement gap is a major priority.

"We have a plan and vision for the future. We're making appropriate changes where necessary," he said. "We have launched a very specific office to deal with issues of black male student achievement issues."

Goar says a hiring decision is the board's to make, and he remains focused on his job as interim superintendent. He took over the interim role last February after Bernadeia Johnson abruptly resigned.

"I'm trusted with 36,000 kids every day, so my focus is how do we go about educating our 36,000 kids," Goar said, adding that budget discussions are about to begin.

Last week the school board dropped contract talks with its top pick, Sergio Paez, after allegations surfaced of severe physical abuse of special needs students at his previous district in Holyoke, Mass.