After thorough consideration of 28 candidates, the Wake County Board of Education announced Dr. Robert Taylor as the new Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) superintendent. Dr. Taylor officially took office on Oct. 1, 2023.

School board District 9 representative Mr. Tyler Swanson detailed the selection process. “The board held a special meeting to establish criteria for the WCPSS Superintendent position,” he said. “We also enlisted the services of the NC School Board Association (NCSBA) to assist us in this process. The NCSBA handled advertising, candidate selection and interview coordination on our behalf, which took approximately three to five months.”

Mr. Swanson explained that Dr. Taylor’s past experiences in various roles played a key factor in his selection. “[His] background as a teacher, principal and district-level administrator, coupled with his understanding of our district’s challenges, played a significant role in his selection,” he said. 

In an interview with the GH Falcon, Dr. Taylor expressed his gratitude to be chosen for the position. “The Wake County Public School System is one of the best school districts in the entire nation, and it was a tremendous honor to be considered and then selected for this post,” he said.

Once he was sworn in, Dr. Taylor immediately collaborated with the school board to begin the implementation of their Strategic Plan, a framework to improve the quality of education and decrease equity gaps in Wake County. 

“Our Strategic Plan, outlining our goals for the next five years, forms the foundation of our collaboration. We have set ambitious targets within this plan,” Mr. Swanson said.

The new superintendent believes his core values align well with the plan. “I believe that a school district should strive for both equity and excellence. I believe every student is uniquely capable and deserves to be challenged and engaged in relevant, rigorous and meaningful learning each day … I see the fulfillment of these beliefs as one of my primary roles as superintendent,” he said.

He also expressed his belief that his learning experiences from his wide range of responsibilities in the past will serve him in his current role. “I have spent more than 30 years at nearly every level of K-12 education, from teacher to a state-level administrator and everything in between,” he said. Dr. Taylor also elaborated on how his experiences will be of value to the completion of the plan. “I believe the experience and perspective I have gained over this time can be put to use in Wake County as we pursue the ambitious goals of our Strategic Plan.”

The main issue the new framework will address is the current achievement gap, according to Dr. Taylor. “I think closing the achievement gap must be a top priority. A disproportionate number of Black and Hispanic students are not reaching their full potential. The ultimate goal is to meet the needs of every child, every day,” Dr. Taylor said.

Dr. Taylor explained that his duty for his first couple months is to cultivate connection with the community. “My first 100 days will be spent traveling all over Wake County to listen, to learn and to connect,” he said. “I want to meet students, teachers, parents, administrators and community leaders to hear their perspectives on what’s working well and what needs to change. I also want folks to get to know me: my influences, inspirations and goals.”

Once he has established himself as a figure in the community, he will present his findings to the school board. “I am early in the process of gathering that feedback. In January, I will present a report to the school board and the broader community that will include what I have learned and my ideas for moving forward,” Dr. Taylor said.

Mr. Swanson, along with the school board, expressed their excitement towards working with Dr. Taylor. “I am enthusiastic about working alongside Dr. Taylor and supporting his vision and leadership as he guides our district to new heights,” he said. “We anticipate facing some challenges, but I am confident that we will make significant progress.”

As Dr. Taylor begins his tenure, he and the school board will continue to focus on meeting the county’s needs.