GRPS board to review Taylor's future | Education

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) - Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Bernard Taylor will not be leaving the district for Cleveland.

Tuesday morning, the Cleveland Schools selected Eric Gordon as its new CEO, passing over Taylor who had been a finalist for the job.

In a statement this morning Taylor thanked the community, school board and staff for their patience during the Cleveland process.  He went on to say, "We knew that regardless of the Cleveland outcome, the time would come for the Board of Education, me, and ultimately this community to have a serious conversation about the future - both short term and long term."

Taylor went on to talk about the financial pressures facing the district,  "There are significant academic and financial issues facing this district that from my perspective require an aggressive reform agenda. I look forward to this discussion. One thing that is for certain, through this discussion and the overall process, my focus is and will always be on the children and their interests."

School Board President, Senita Lenear, "We have to determine our next steps because the students, staff and community as a whole deserve to have a clear picture of the future." During a news conference Lenear specifically discussed Taylor's future with the district.  In response Dr. Taylor said opportunities come up from time to time, but he is willing to continue his work in Grand Rapids.

Previously, Dr. Taylor had been a finalist for the top job in the Syracuse, New York school district.

After dropping out of the Syracuse job search, Taylor released a statement:  "It is clear to me that my calling is - and remains - right here and right now."