After The Grand Rapids Board of Education narrowed down a nationwide search for the next superintendent of Grand Rapids Public Schools to two finalists, and after an opening round of interviews last month, Monday evening marked each candidate’s last chance to convey to the Board why they are the right person for the job.
Both candidates are men, both are African-American, and both are outsiders, having never lived or worked in West Michigan.
Finalist Dr. Adrian Talley, is the director of Community Schools for Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland, he told the Board of Education at his first interview, the school district’s rich diversity is one of the reasons he felt compelled to apply.
The other Finalist for the job is Dr. Devon Horton. He is the Chief of Schools for Jefferson County Public Schools in Kentucky. He told the Board last month his experience makes him qualified to continue the progress that retiring superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal achieved during her tenure.
Meanwhile, current Superintendent Weatherall Neal’s last day is July 1st.
