Grand Rapids superintendent passed over for another job

Broward County Public Schools selected Robert Runcie, not Bernard Taylor, as their next superintendent.

Bernard Taylor agreed to resign from Grand Rapids schools at the end of this school year. That agreement came after he was a finalist for two jobs beginning last spring. He didn’t get either of those jobs. His application to lead Broward County Public Schools – the sixth biggest district in the United States – was turned down. The school board hired an administrator from Chicago Public Schools instead of Taylor.

If Taylor leaves Michigan before his contract runs out, the move would save Grand Rapids schools hundreds of thousands of dollars in pay and benefits.

Grand Rapids School Board President Senita Lenear released a written statement this afternoon.

“The Grand Rapids Board of Education is focused on the future growth and success of GRPS and making best use of the taxpayer dollars for the betterment of the children and families we serve.

While Dr. Taylor may not have been selected as the next Broward County Schools superintendent, the fact that he was a finalist for the 6th largest school system in America speaks volumes."

Meanwhile, the search for a new leader for Grand Rapids schools continues. The Grand Rapids school board will discuss the process at its meeting on Monday night.