NEWS PROVIDED BY
Association of Christian Schools International
June 13, 2019

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., June 13, 2019 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Association of Christian Schools International Board of Directors announced today the appointment of Dr. Larry Taylor as the ministry's new President and CEO. Board members made the unanimous decision after a global search that began late last year, led by Carter Baldwin, a leading international retained executive search firm.
  
"Larry Taylor is the right person to lead this organization into the future," said incoming ACSI Board Chair Robert "Bo" Gutzwiller. "His leadership at Prestonwood, coupled with his heart for advancing Christian Education, make him the ideal choice for this critical role."

"My heart is full these days as I anticipate joining the ACSI team and giving myself fully to the cause of strengthening Christian schools and equipping Christian educators around the world." Taylor said, "As I look back on my life experiences, I can see how God has been leading, stirring and preparing me for this role."

Taylor takes the reins of the leading international organization responsible for promoting Christian Education. For the past 40 years, ACSI has provided training and resources to Christian schools and educators around the world.

Taylor has served for 19 years as the Head of School at Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) in Plano, Texas. The Prestonwood Christian Academy School System is comprised of two pre-school through high school campuses, a virtual academy, a school for students with special learning needs, an inner-city academy (in one of the most neglected high-poverty areas of South Dallas), and a school serving part-time students personalizing their education by combining traditional on-campus classes, homeschool, or online options.

He will begin assuming leadership and strategic oversight of ACSI on July 1, 2019. And, by January 2020 he will take on all executive level leadership responsibilities for ACSI.

Taylor previously served as President of the Texas Private Schools Association (TPSA) Board of Directors. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), and the ACSI Education Foundation.

Taylor served for 12 years at The First Academy in Orlando, Florida as a high school principal and assistant headmaster. He also has held teaching positions within the public-school system. Taylor co-launched a national training institute for schools, "Becoming a Kingdom School Institute" and founded the Student Leadership Institute (SLI) program. He developed a training program for parents called, "Becoming a Kingdom Family." Taylor published the book titled Running with The Horses, which helps parents raise children to be servant-leaders for Christ and helps to build a family plan.

Taylor received his Ph.D. in Philosophy in Leadership Studies from Dallas Baptist University (2009), his master's degree from Nova University (1993) and his bachelor's degree from University of Central Florida (1986). Taylor has been married to Delinda Rose Taylor for 33 years and has four sons: Bryce, who graduated from Yale University and Notre Dame Graduate School; Luke, a graduate of Princeton University, and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business; Zeke, a graduate of Florida State University; and Chas, a graduate of Rice University and currently in law school at the University of Chicago.

"I've known this remarkable man for many years," said Dr. Jay Ferguson, ACSI Search Committee Chairman. "I'm certain that Larry will both wisely steward the ministry of ACSI and boldly lead us into new areas of kingdom impact."

Acting CEO, Dr. Stephen Reel, will transition back into Christian school leadership as Head of School for Mitchell Road Christian Academy in Greenville, South Carolina beginning in July. He will also serve as an associate with Graybeal and Associates, LLC.

"I can't thank Stephen enough for his dedication and steady hand as acting president and CEO during the past year" said Gutzwiller. "His passion for seeing children's lives changed by Christian education is evident and his servant leadership is greatly appreciated. ACSI is grateful for his stewardship during this time of transition. We wish him all the best as he takes the helm of leadership at Mitchell Road Christian Academy, an ACSI member school. Although he is taking on new responsibilities, he will always be a member of the ACSI family."

ABOUT ACSI:
Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., ACSI exists to strengthen Christian schools and equip Christian educators worldwide as they prepare students academically and inspire them to become devoted followers of Jesus Christ. ACSI advances excellence in Christian schools by enhancing the professional and personal development of Christian educators and providing vital support functions for Christian schools by offering multiple services including teacher and administrator certification, school accreditation, legal/legislative assistance, and curriculum publishing. Serving more than 25,000 schools in 108 countries, ACSI helps more than 5.5 million students worldwide connect to Christian education.

For more information on the ministry, visit www.ACSI.org or follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ACSIUSA or on Twitter at @ACSIUSA.

SOURCE Association of Christian Schools International

CONTACT: Larry Lincoln, 719-424-6461, Larry_Lincoln@acsi.org

Related Links

www.ACSI.org