The incoming MPS superintendent, Gregory Thornton, will focus on improving student achievement, creating more efficient and effective district operations and partnering with parents, businesses and community members once he takes control July 1.

Thornton has most recently served as the superintendent of the 7,800-student Chester Upland School District in southern Pennsylvania. In addition, he previously held high-level administrative posts in the 140,000-student Montgomery County Public Schools District in Maryland and the 180,000-student School District of Philadelphia, where he served as chief academic officer. MPS, with over 85,000 students, will be one of the largest districts Thornton has served in and the largest district in which he will have served as superintendent, but he feels ready for the job. Thornton believes that his time as a student is what best prepares him. 

Some other issues that Thornton believes will require his attention include saving art, music and physical education classes, improving 10th-grade math scores and creating a more aggressive plan to improve literacy.

Thornton has had the opportunity to visit numerous schools in MPS and meet with students. According to Thornton, changing cafeteria food remains a primary concern for students.

“I’m going to fix that [food] real quick. I’m going to make breakfast and lunch more exciting,” Thornton said.

MPS Communications Director Roseann St. Aubin has a good first impression of the superintendent-in-waiting.

“He’s dynamic, energetic, caring and he likes children. I am delighted that he talks about his own children. He also has a great sense of humor,” St. Aubin said.

People in the district seem to support Thornton as his contract start date draws near.

“I am very hopeful that he will be successful in the district,” Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association president Mike Langyel said. “He has new ideas, and the district needs new ideas.”

MPS held an event welcoming Thornton into the district May 1. Performances such as those by 35th Street School, the Hmong American Peace Academy and the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra made Thornton feel at home. A large turnout of MPS and city officials, including Superintendent William Andrekopoulos, school board president Michael Bonds and MTEA members, helped make the event a success and ease Thornton’s adjustment period.

“I was very humbled to be a part of it; my family was humbled. MPS has some very talented kids,” Thornton said.

With the $1.3 billion MPS FY11 budget short $10 million, Thornton will be welcomed into a district going through an adjustment period of its own. On April 29, Andrekopoulos proposed the budget announcing a district-wide staff reduction of 682 positions, 260 of those teaching jobs. In addition, all schools kindergarten through eighth grade will receive uniform reading curriculum this fall. One year later, high schools will make the switch also.

With these major changes coming in the district so near Andrekopoulos’ retirement, Thornton could have a tough job managing an already struggling school district.

“If the district cuts all of those positions, it’s going to be very difficult for it to improve,” Langyel said. “How can students learn if they don’t have teachers?”

On a lighter note, Thornton seems reluctant to directly answer a question about whether he will purchase a home in Milwaukee.

“I have not and will not until probably the end of my first year. I have to be certain that it is a good place for my family,” Thornton said.

Whether he decides to live in Milwaukee or not does not seem to be an important issue in the minds of MPS officials.

“Whether he rents a house in the city or buys, what I care about most is that he’s in the office every day,” St. Aubin said.

Despite being unsure about his future living situation, Thornton has traveled all over the city and has formed favorable opinions.

“I think it’s beautiful, and people have that Midwest charm,” Thornton said.

He seemed to have only one grievance.

“It’s cold!” Thornton joked. 

Thornton says he is committed to the district and could see himself staying for the next decade and maybe becoming a Brewers fan in the process. 

All joking aside, the next MPS superintendent will not come into a district that needs an easy fix. 

“The concerns we have here are major. We are not looking for a band-aid solution, but we’re not looking for open heart surgery either,” Thornton said.