Dr. Romules Durant

Dr. Romules Durant

Dr. Romules Durant, currently in his 11th year as the CEO/Superintendent of Toledo Public Schools, is the youngest educator to hold this prestigious position in the district’s 175-year
history. He is also the first to achieve the pinnacle of urban education, having been named the 2024 Urban Educator of the Year by the Council of Great City Schools. Dr. Durant is currently the longest-serving superintendent in the Council’s network of 78 of the nation’s largest urban
public school districts.

A Toledo native, Dr. Durant attended TPS schools from elementary through high school. He then continued his education at the University of Toledo, earning three degrees, including his doctorate in education. In May 2024, his beloved alma mater presented him with an honorary doctorate in pedagogy.

When Dr. Durant assumed the role of superintendent, the district faced numerous challenges, including budgetary constraints, wavering community support, and low employee morale. Fast-forward to today: Toledo Public Schools, the fourth-largest urban school district in Ohio, is thriving and building upon a strong momentum of change and improvement.

After the passage of a new-money levy campaign in November 2024 - the eighth successful campaign (six renewals passed at an average of 70 percent and two new money requests with 55 percent voter approval) led by Dr. Durant since becoming superintendent - plans are well underway for the creation of Scott Park University, the centerpiece of Dr. Durant’s vision for the
future of TPS. Eventually, Scott Park will house three magnet high schools, a sports dome, and residential housing. Local community colleges and universities have committed to providing college-level classes at this campus, which is centrally located within the City of Toledo and will allow more adult learners to earn their college degrees.

The district has been transformed because of Dr. Durant’s extraordinary vision of what an urban school district can look like in the 21st century. What started as a simple idea to promote what was then only two magnet high schools has blossomed into a multi-pronged, multi-year plan to
enhance the educational opportunities available for ALL students, whether they are interested in enrolling in college, entering the workforce, or enlisting in the armed services after graduation.

Toledo Public Schools now has seven thematic magnet high schools, which enhance the diverse interests of students from across the region. These highly acclaimed schools include the Electric Vehicle Training Center, the Aviation Center, the Natural Science Technology Center, the Pre-
Medicine and Health Science Academy, the Jones Leadership Academy of Business, the Toledo Technology Academy of Engineering, and Toledo Early College. Each of these unique educational training centers fosters a culture of academic excellence for its students and has established strong partnerships with area industry leaders to develop a pipeline of new
employees. The ever-increasing interest in the TPS magnet schools is attracting students from across northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan.

One of the first major accomplishments the district celebrated under Dr. Durant’s leadership was securing national Head Start funding in 2013. Since the first grant award, the TPS Early Childhood program has seen outstanding achievements, including expanding services, adding staff, and successfully acquiring state and federal funds to enhance the offerings to the district's
youngest learners.

Toledo Public Schools has also seen the creation of four STEMM elementary schools; the transformation of a former charter school into Escuela SMART Academy, a bi-lingual grade school; the introduction of Naviance, a college and career exploration and planning tool; and the establishment and expansion of gifted services for elementary students and AP courses for high
school students. Toledo Early College and Toledo Technology Academy of Engineering, which both consistently rank among the top schools in Ohio, now accept seventh and eighth-grade students who are thriving and earning industry credentials, certifications, and taking college courses.

Dr. Durant currently represents TPS on 14 area boards of trustees. During his professional career, he has received nearly 40 awards, including five Hall of Fames, the 20 Under 40 Award, and the Buckeye Association of School Administrators Exemplary Leadership Award.

The Green-Garner Award that Dr. Durant received from the Council of Great City Schools in October 2024 is the highest honor in urban education. He was chosen from five finalists for the award because he has “shown a strong dedication to the needs of [his] district, a profound commitment to improvement, and [has] exemplified significant community involvement and
leadership.”

Despite his successes and vision, Dr. Durant’s number one goal for today’s students is the same as when he attended TPS’s Waite High School: to rise from modest means and achieve success first in school and then in life.

You can follow Dr. Durant on Facebook @romules.durant, Twitter @romules, Instagram @romulesdurant, LinkedIn @Dr.Durant.

 

MEDIA DOWNLOADS

Dr. Durant Long Bio Download

Dr. Durant Short Bio Download

Dr. Durant Resume - Updated January, 2025

Dr. Durant Downloadable Photo