Dr. Romules Durant, the CEO/Superintendent of Toledo Public Schools, inspires innovation and dedication in education. Now in his 11th year at the helm of Ohio's fourth-largest urban school district, Dr. Durant was recently named the Educator of the Year by the Council of Great City Schools, the highest honor in urban education. Dr. Durant is currently the longest-serving superintendent in the Council’s network which is comprised of 78 of the nation’s largest urban public school districts.

As the 29th superintendent of Toledo Public Schools, Dr. Durant has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to his hometown of Toledo. After attending TPS schools from elementary through high school, he continued his education at the University of Toledo, where he earned three degrees, including his doctorate. He was presented with an honorary doctorate in pedagogy from his beloved alma mater in May 2024.

After the passage of a new-money levy campaign in November 2024 - the eighth such successful campaign (six renewals passed with an average of 70 percent and two new money requests passed with 55 percent voter approval) led by Dr. Durant since becoming superintendent, plans are well underway for the creation of Scott Park University. This project is 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, including options for senior citizens. 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 a greater number of adult learners to earn a college degree.

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, Jones Leadership Academy of Business, 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.

Dr. Durant’s influence and reputation extends far and wide as his professional story and vision for public education of has recently been highlighted on the Discovery Channel’s Courageous Leaderships series. He currently serves on 14 area boards of trustees and has received numerous accolades during his professional career, including being inducted into five Halls of Fame and receiving the Ohio School Board Association President’s Award and the Buckeye Association of School Administrators Exemplary Leadership Award. Dr. Durant’s commitment to excellence echoes through every facet of his professional journey. As he looks to the future, he plans to continue spearheading transformative change that will propel the district to new heights.