Stafford County Public Schools superintendent Thomas W. Taylor is leaving to take the same position in Montgomery County, Md., this fall, according to a press release sent by the school division on Monday afternoon.
Taylor has led Stafford’s schools since November 2021, during which time he oversaw significant advancements in staffing, salaries, and educational opportunities for all students. His last day will be June 30.
During his tenure, Taylor honed a five-year budget focused on streamlining processes and providing high-quality education leading to successful outcomes for every student. Under his leadership, Stafford County Public Schools achieved an over 20% increase in average staff wages and also saw significant advancements in both diversity and gender equity in leadership positions that far exceed national and state averages.
Taylor was named Region III Superintendent of the Year in May 2024.
“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 in the press release. “I would like to thank the School Board, students, staff, and community for allowing me to serve this great county.”
Taylor routinely brought attention to the growth crisis in Stafford and ushered the construction of three new schools and the rebuilding of Edward E. Drew Middle School. Taylor implemented events such as Transition Day, Chart Your Future, and Decision Day and spearheaded the launch of Stafford Schools’ strategic plan “Elevate Stafford”, Specialty Centers, the creation of a university partnership lab school centered on preparing students for careers in technology, and a curriculum realignment that introduces students to careers beginning with elementary education.
Taylor also secured two partnerships with the JED Foundation to provide direct support in all Stafford Schools. He helped the division partner with the Fredericksburg Food Bank and others to address community food insecurity with the launch of Virginia’s first order-ahead, refrigerated food pantry (located at Rising Star Early Childhood Center). The school division, under Taylor’s leadership, also partnered with the Commissioner of Revenue’s office and the Internal Revenue Service to train accounting students to provide tax preparation services for low-income families, as part of Virginia’s first Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
“While Stafford County is losing an exceptional superintendent, we will move forward with the same commitment to our students and their preparation for excellence as we begin the search for our next superintendent,” School Board Chair Maureen Siegmund stated in the release. “We thank Dr. Taylor for his leadership and wish him success in his future endeavors.”
The Stafford School Board will begin its search for a new superintendent immediately.
