Stafford County has started the search for a new school superintendent now that Thomas W. Taylor has been tapped to lead Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland’s largest school system.
Taylor has led Stafford County Public Schools since November 2021. During that time, Taylor, who has a background in school policy and finance, has streamlined processes in the 32,000-student school system while increasing average staff wages more than 20 percent, according to a news release.
Virginia’s education department named him Region III Superintendent of the Year in May.
“It has been an honor to serve Stafford County. The school division has made significant progress in a short period of time, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together,” Taylor said. “I would like to thank the School Board, students, staff, and community for allowing me to serve this great county.”
As superintendent, Taylor, 45, helped Stafford County make “significant advancements in both diversity and gender equity in leadership positions that far exceed national and state averages,” the release said. Under his tenure, Stafford County saw the construction of three new schools and the rebuilding of Edward E. Drew Middle School.
Taylor implemented programs to help prepare students for careers and secured two partnerships with the JED Foundation to assist with student mental health issues. In a partnership with the Fredericksburg Food Bank, he created a first-of-its-kind program in Virginia that addresses food insecurity with an order-ahead, refrigerated food pantry at Rising Star Early Childhood Center.
Taylor grew up in Montgomery County. He takes over the 160,000-student school district and its $3 billion budget on July 1.
The Montgomery County Board of Education will formally appoint him superintendent on June 25.
Feature image courtesy Montgomery County Public Schools/YouTube
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