Dr. Scott Taylor, a highly distinguished school administrator and a Highland Park resident, whose children attend the Highland Park Schools, has agreed to accept the job as the next superintendent of the Highland Park School District. However, his appointment must be approved formally by vote of the full Highland Park Board of Education at a special public meeting on August 5 at 7 p.m., Middle School Cafeteria.
Highland Park School Board President Adam Sherman, speaking on behalf of the school board which led the several month long search, announced the outcome of the search process in a July 30th letter to the community. “I could not be more excited about the future of our schools!” said Mr. Sherman to the Highland Park Planet. “Dr. Taylor is a 21st century leader who brings the knowledge and experience to address some of the most pressing issues facing our school district.” According to the letter to the community, Dr. Taylor has served in virtually in every educational administrative capacity. Most recently, he was Superintendent of Schools at Kenilworth NJ Public Schools. Before that, his other positions at various New Jersey school districts have included: assistant superintendent, principal, assistant principal, and curriculum supervisor.
Dr. Taylor received his doctorate from Columbia University and B.A. and Ed.M. from Rutgers University. He is an adjunct faculty member at the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University and at Montclair State University’s College of Education and Human Services. Most importantly, said Mr. Sherman, Dr. Taylor’s experience and sensibilities reflect the values of the Highland Park community – values that were so clearly articulated during what Mr. Sherman in prior communications described as a “thorough,” “inclusive” and “transparent” search process. The search attracted 21 highly qualified candidates, eight of whom were superintendents.
“Dr. Taylor has demonstrated a clear commitment to improving education for ALL – an issue that we, as a community, have identified as an area to address,” said Mr. Sherman in the letter to the community. Other aspects of Dr. Taylor’s background which make him a “perfect fit” for Highland Park include his leadership in diversity, community engagement, transparency and communication. Mr. Sherman made special note of Dr. Taylor having co-developed and implemented social-emotional learning programs in each of the districts he has led. And Dr. Taylor is currently working with Dr. Maurice Elias to create the Academy for Social-Emotional Learning in Schools. If Dr. Taylor receives the Board of Education’s final approval on Aug. 5, he will embark upon an immediate community listening tour. The Highland Park Planet will publish all “listening” opportunities as soon as the details become available.