Dr. Bernard Taylor, Jr., is in his fourth year as Superintendent of the Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS), Michigan's third largest public school district and the second largest employer in the City of Grand Rapids. Dr. Taylor has worked aggressively to implement academic and instructional reforms to increase student achievement and high school graduation rates. In November 2008, GRPS was recognized in a Detroit News editorial opinion as a "model" urban school district due to its "persistent, strategic, disciplined work."
The systemic changes and improvements happening throughout the district are being driven by a nationally acclaimed effort-based learning model that Dr. Taylor initiated in 2007 thanks to the generous support of the Doug and Maria DeVos Foundation and a partnership with the University of Pittsburgh's Institute for Learning.
Since being appointed Superintendent, the district has seen a dramatic increase in academic achievement. The number of schools meeting Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) has increased from 26 in 2006 to 45 today. Over that same period of time, the number of schools earning a "B" grade or better on the Michigan Education Yes! Report has tripled from 7 to 21. In addition, for the first time since No Child Left Behind was enacted, three of the district's four comprehensive high schools met AYP and two schools that had failed to meet AYP for more than five consecutive years dropped off the state's watch list. GRPS is also home to the second highest performing school in the entire state of Michigan.
Under Superintendent Taylor's administration, he has introduced a number of bold initiatives aimed largely at the high school level including a new Five Year Strategic Direction to align internal and external stakeholders around a common vision and common goals; the Centers of Innovation to foster public-private partnerships and create innovative new school choices within the district; and most recently the district's "Race to the Top" proposal to dramatically re-imagine the school system. Five new "Centers of Innovation" have opened, including four high school "Centers" and one school that was originally slated to open as an independent charter school that is not part of GRPS.
Dr. Taylor has also overseen the completion of a five year, $165 million school bond construction campaign resulting in eleven new or renovated elementary and middle schools as well as the renovation of the historic Houseman Field. Upon final completion and approval, GRPS will have the largest selection of green-built, LEED certified schools in Michigan. Two of the projects received the "People's Choice Award" for best new construction and best interior renovation by the Neighborhood Business Alliance and Neighborhood Ventures.
Dr. Taylor previously served as Superintendent of Schools in the Kansas City, Missouri School District that serves a student population similar to Grand Rapids Public Schools. He is committed to the work of our traditional public schools. Dr. Taylor has developed a management philosophy that recognizes the need to establish meaningful relationships, maintain open lines of communication, encourage collaboration between and among internal and external stakeholders, and focus the collective effort of the organization in the best interest of all students. His management style dictates developing measured responses to the pressures of the superintendency so that the myriad of issues confronting school districts are addressed purposefully and successfully.
Dr. Taylor is a member of several organizations including the American Association of School Administrators, Michigan Association of School Administrators, Michigan Association of African American Superintendents, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and the Grand Rapids Rotary Club. He is also a member of the National Superintendents Round table, which is limited to an invitation-only membership of 50 superintendents aimed to help school leaders develop a national voice, while providing practical, hands-on training to improve learning back home. This group is particularly interested in broad systemic approaches aimed at closing the racial achievement gap. On January 19, 2008, Dr. Taylor was the recipient of the Mayor's Champion of Diversity Award in recognition of his contribution to an equitable and diverse community.
Dr. Taylor earned his Ed.D., M.P.A. and B.A. degrees at the University of Pittsburgh. He also served as Executive Director for School Leadership with the Kansas City School District, and as principal and teacher for the Pittsburgh Public Schools.
