The Mississippi Senate has rejected the confirmation of Dr. Robert Taylor as state superintendent of public education with a 31-21 vote.
Taylor was previously selected as the state’s new superintendent by the State Board of Education in November 2022 and assumed the position in January.
Senators opposed to Taylor’s confirmation expressed concerns with the fact that he has spent most of his public service outside of the Magnolia State, raising questions about his familiarity with Mississippi’s education system.
Proponents of the appointed superintendent’s confirmation argue that he checks all of the necessary boxes to adequately lead Mississippi’s public education to a brighter future.
Taylor, a Southern Miss alum and 30-year veteran educator, began his career as a teacher’s assistant in Mississippi and served North Carolina public schools throughout his career as a teacher, principal, district superintendent, and state education leader. He most recently operated as deputy state superintendent for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Now that Taylor has been denied by the Senate, the State Board of Education will vet candidates for the vacant position and will submit one to Governor Tate Reeves for approval.
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