MADISON, WI (WSAU) -- Governor-Elect Tony Evers has named Carolyn Stanford Taylor as the next State Superintendent of Schools.
Stanford Taylor currently serves as Evers' Assistant Superintendent at the Department of Public Instruction.
“Carolyn is a dedicated, thoughtful leader, who puts the best interests of kids before all else,” Evers said. “She is known and respected throughout the education community for her commitment to equity and her work to help all students reach academic success. I have known Carolyn for the better part of three decades and know she will be an exceptional state superintendent.”
“It will be an honor to serve the students, teachers, and families of Wisconsin as the next state superintendent,” Stanford Taylor said. “I am blessed to be surrounded by the talented and devoted staff in the department, who care about the work they do to improve the lives of our state’s youth. I look forward to this opportunity, and know that together, we can continue to advance educational equity for all students.”
Stanford Taylor currently oversees the Special Education team and the Student Services / Prevention and Wellness team within the department. The pick has received praise from Luther Olsen of Ripon, the Republican leader of the Senate Education Committee.
She will become Wisconsin's first African-American leader of the Department of Public Instruction, taking over after Evers leaves to become Governor on January 7th. Evers has remained the head of the DPI while transitioning to his role as Governor.
Evers had the option of calling for a special election to fill the position but chose to finish out his term until he took the oath of office. Stanford Taylor will sever the remainder of Evers term, which runs through April 2021.
The leader of the DPI is a non-partisan position and Evers selection is not subject to approval by the State Senate.
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