Taylor Rescinds Berkmar Principal Position, Stays With Atlanta Public Schools

On Friday, Gwinnett County Public Schools' announced Dr. Howard "Gene" Taylor would serve as the next principal of Lilburn's Berkmar High School.

On Monday, GCPS announced Taylor's decision to remain with Atlanta Public Schools. 

Buckhead Patch reports Taylor was promoted to the North Region Executive Director for the Atlanta Public Schools district.

Taylor shared a video message to the students of North Atlanta High School on Friday announcing his intentions to step down as principal of the school. In that video, Taylor said Berkmar is a school in much greater need than NAHS. 

"This school has been identified as a failing school for years. This school could not compete with North in any matter," said Taylor referring to Berkmar in the video. "They've got great kids and they've got great teachers trying to do great things," he added.

Taylor was named principal of North Atlanta after former principal Mark MyGrant and other top administrators at the school were removed in the fall of 2012. Prior to the position, he served as principal of Lilburn Middle School.

"We realize this was a difficult decision for Dr. Taylor and honor his decision," said GCPS spokesperson Sloan Roach in a release. "Dr. Taylor is a fine educator who is
dedicated to improving schools and helping students. These attributes make him an asset to any school system and it is understandable that APS would want to keep Dr. Taylor on their leadership team."

GCPS will continue their search for a principal for Berkmar High School.

What do you think about Taylor's decision to turn down the position and stay with Atlanta Public Schools? Tell us in the comments section below.