School Leader: John A. Taylor, Jr.
John Taylor grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he attended public urban schools.  Upon graduation from high school, he served in the United States Army.  He then went on to college at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh where he received a Bachelor Arts in Social Studies and a Masters in Administration and Leadership.  Additionally, he attended an Executive Leadership Program in Strategic Planning for Charter Schools at Harvard University.  His accolades include the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship National Teacher of the Year Award in1997.

Mr. Taylor has had an impressive career in education that spans over sixteen years and includes teaching, starting up six charter schools, implementing curriculum and culture programs, and presenting at universities throughout Pennsylvania and Delaware.  He has dedicated his work to mentoring, teaching, and leading thousands of students in inner-cities.  He most recently was the head of school at Marion T. Academy in Wilmington, Delaware.

Mr. Taylor is a published author.  His book That’s All in It:  The Richard Garland Story, Aventine Press 2004, is available at book stores, and he is currently working on his next book.  On a personal note, John enjoys boating, football, and spending time with family, particularly his amazing daughter, Jada.  He is happy to call Albany home and looks forward to impacting the lives of many students in the years to come.

Board of Trustees
The qualifications for trustees on the Green Tech High Charter School board of trustees comprise the following: 

• Experience and expertise in one or more of the following professional fields: education accountability, assessment and curriculum experience; real estate; law; fundraising; business; technology; accounting; military; government; environmental fields; administration or community and/or youth development.
• Preferred experience in governance including, but not limited to, training courses, responsibility for serving a board, and/or board membership in a non-profit organization, governmental body, or for-profit business.
• At least 18 years of age.

In addition to the aforementioned qualifications, each member of the board of trustees of Green Tech High commits to the following:

• Belief in and support of the mission and design of Green Tech High.
• Attendance at board and committee meetings, particularly in the early stages during the review and approval process, as well as during preparation for opening since meetings are anticipated to be more frequent than monthly.
• Willingness to volunteer for individual assignments on behalf of and by the board, including service on committees and fundraising endeavors.
• An expectation that all children can learn and can accomplish high academic achievement regardless of race, income, family background, religion, gender, or previous behavior.

The Board of Trustees ensures that the school adheres to the mission, goals and all other terms and conditions of the school’s charter.  The Board supervises and holds accountable the performance of the school principal, who is responsible for the day to day operation of the school.  Additionally, the Board approves the appointment of the school’s Business Manager.

The Board of Trustees is also responsible for the establishment and maintenance of all policies governing the operation of the school.  They respond to complaints submitted to the board pursuant the school’s complaints process, including matters of enforcement of the school’s discipline code which govern long term suspensions and expulsions.

Members of the Green Tech High Board of Trustees include:

Members of the Board of Trustees can be reached via mail at:

Green Tech High Charter School
116 N. Lake Ave, Suite 403
Albany, NY 12206