Thomas W. Taylor, Ed.D, M.b.A.
Superintendent

Dr. Thomas W. Taylor is Superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools the 15th largest school ss

Taylor previously was superintendent of Stafford County Public Schools (VA), where he oversaw 33 schools in Virginia’s eighth largest school district, serving more than 31,000 students and more than 4,300 employees. Stafford County Public Schools is a high-performing, majority-minority school district where nearly half of the students participate in the federal free lunch program.

Dr. Taylor is a Washington, D.C. native and has served as a social studies teacher, coach, and leader in several Virginia school districts over the last 25+ years. Prior to his service in Stafford, Dr. Taylor was the Deputy Superintendent in Chesterfield County, the Region III Superintendent of the Year (2016) in Middlesex County, and UVA's Alumni Outstanding Principal (2012) in Charlottesville City.

In addition to his service as Superintendent of Stafford Schools, Dr. Taylor also served as one of Virginia's Commissioners on the Education Commission of the States. In addition to numerous other community boards, Dr. Taylor also serves on the College Board's Superintendent Advisory Council, is a co-lead for the National STEM Consortium, and Chair of the Virginia Wesleyan University Alumni Council.

Dr. Taylor holds a Bachelor of Arts from Virginia Wesleyan University, a Master's in Educational Leadership and a Doctorate in PK-12 Education Policy from the University of Virginia, and a Master of Business Administration degree from the College of William & Mary. He and his wife, Sue, are the proud parents of five children.

In Stafford County, Dr. Taylor implemented various noteworthy initiatives that ensure every student has a plan for success after high school. He spearheaded the development of Speciality Centers focusing on in-demand career opportunities and expanded work-based learning career credentialing. Dr. Taylor led the work to offer a comprehensive approach to student learning, emphasizing the learning environment, effective teaching methods, top-notch curriculum, active engagement, fair assessment, high standards, and tailored support for all students.

Dr. Taylor understands that being student-focused means focusing on the whole student, as evidenced by his success securing a partnership with the JED Foundation to address student mental health.

He has redefined the profile of a graduate, expanded work-based learning career credentialing, and has led the work to provide a detailed framework for student learning that focuses on the learning environment, evidence-based instructional practices, high quality curriculum, cognitive engagement, balanced assessment, high expectations, and tiered intervention that supports every student. A future-focused leader, Dr. Taylor has updated the school system’s Strategic Plan, provided draft legislation for consideration in Richmond, and standardized school practices that define expectations for student achievement and efficiency.