Gregory Thornton is the Superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools.
Official Biography
Gregory Thornton, Ed. D. was appointed Superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools in 2010. Under his administration and with the support of the Board of School Directors, the district has reformulated the instruction of literacy, math and science, implemented a Master Facilities Plan, and made significant changes to the structure of employee benefits in an effort to help assure sustainability for the district.
Prior to coming to Milwaukee, Dr. Thornton served as Superintendent of Chester Upland School District in Chester, Pennsylvania, where he facilitated reforms to bring about increases in student achievement, created school-community partnerships and improved the fiscal and business efficiencies of the district. He served previously as Chief Academic Officer of The School District of Philadelphia and has held leadership positions in large school districts in Maryland and North Carolina.
Dr. Thornton received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education at Temple University in Philadelphia, and his Master of Arts degree in Administration/Supervision at Salisbury State University in Maryland. He earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership at Nova Southeastern University in Florida.
Dr. Thornton enjoys sports, reading and spending time with his family. He and his wife have two sons, and one granddaughter.
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Content referencing Gregory Thornton
How Will School Board Hire New Superintendent?
What's the likely process and how were past decisions made?
Jun 10th, 2024 by Terry Falk
MPS Embroiled in a Real Food Fight
Student group protests quality of school lunches. School board considers changes.
Feb 13th, 2023 by Terry Falk
The Failure of Corporate Charter Schools
They haven’t done so well in Milwaukee.
May 18th, 2021 by Terry Falk
School Districts Consider Defunding Police
Madison, Green Bay, Milwaukee among districts that may end programs. Milwaukee school board votes Thursday.
Jun 17th, 2020 by Terry Falk
High Rate of Turnover for School Superintendents
Some superintendents leap frog from district to district, advancing their career or salary.
Jun 15th, 2020 by Terry Falk
MPS Program Offers “Ambitious Instruction”
Will new approach mean more skills taught or more teaching to the test?
Oct 29th, 2019 by Terry Falk
Why Is City’s Student Achievement So Low?
NAEP results show notable progress in Chicago, but discouraging results here.
Apr 25th, 2018 by Bruce Thompson
MPS Losing Superintendent Driver
Will become CEO of Southeastern Michigan United Way in Detroit in July.
Apr 3rd, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
The MPS Agency Superintendents Hate
Efficiency office created in 2010 reports to board members. But is it needed?
Jan 16th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
Police Outreach to Teens a Failure
Violence over weekend dramatizes issue. School board called for changes in outreach program.
Aug 15th, 2016 by Terry Falk
Can MPS Learn From the Data?
Its rejection of the Opportunity Schools Partnership is merely one sign the answer is no.
Jul 13th, 2016 by Bruce Thompson
Why Urban School Chiefs Fail
The lessons of former MPS superintendent Gregory Thornton’s firing in Baltimore.
May 19th, 2016 by Bruce Murphy
How MPS Changed School Expulsions
Echoing national trends, school board has moved away from “zero tolerance.” Here’s why.
Oct 23rd, 2015 by Terry Falk
MPS and Non-Profits Teamed Up to Rescue Carver Academy
School that was failing "by every measure" is now changing its culture.
Jul 12th, 2015 by Jabril Faraj
Why Doesn’t Milwaukee Embrace Charter Schools?
Data shows they work better than MPS schools, but board adamantly opposes them.
May 20th, 2015 by Bruce Thompson
Charter School Leaders Say Oversight Needed
Republican plan for Milwaukee would allow high-performing charter schools to replicate without any approving authority.
Apr 7th, 2015 by Jabril Faraj
Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Driver goes “On the Issues” to discuss challenges, vision for district’s future
Driver came to MPS two years ago to become the district’s first chief innovation officer.
Jan 14th, 2015 by Marquette University
Great Lakes Commits Additional $1.3 Million to MPS TEAM UP College Access Centers
Expert, One-on-One Assistance Advances More Milwaukee Students to College
Jun 24th, 2014 by Press Release
MPS selects 14 schools to be transformed as Commitment Schools
Commitment Schools to implement rigorous academic and behavioral interventions with increased resources; all 48 schools graded in the lowest group on state report card to receive additional support
Jun 19th, 2014 by Milwaukee Public Schools
Milwaukee Board of School Directors approves Acting MPS Superintendent
MPS’ Chief Innovation Officer Darienne Driver brings extensive leadership experience; work with improving schools most in need
Jun 5th, 2014 by Milwaukee Public Schools
Board approves budget that increases commitment to MPS classrooms: 50 more art, music, and physical education teachers; increased parent engagement and teacher support
Includes a school support teacher and parent coordinator in every school
May 30th, 2014 by Milwaukee Public Schools
2,500+ Milwaukee children set to perform together at 45th MPS’ Biennial Music Festival, celebrating 90 years of student musicians
Final rehearsals begin Tuesday for Wednesday event at U.S. Cellular Arena; comes as MPS continues to increase number of art, music and physical education teachers
May 6th, 2014 by Milwaukee Public Schools
3 MPS students earn ‘life-changing’ Gates college scholarships covering 100% of unmet need
May 6 celebration set for winners from MPS’ Carmen H.S. of Science and Technology, Milwaukee School of Languages and South Division H.S.; and partner College Possible
May 5th, 2014 by Milwaukee Public Schools
Proposed MPS budget increases investment in classrooms, including 50 more art, music and PE teachers
Also includes a school support teacher and parent coordinator in every school; Continues multi-year trend to focus on classrooms
Apr 25th, 2014 by Milwaukee Public Schools
Why Thornton Is Leaving MPS
It's all about moving back home, not about frustration with Milwaukee.
Apr 25th, 2014 by Terry Falk
U.S. News: Milwaukee region’s 2 best high schools are in MPS
Rankings show MPS is home to 3 of the state’s top 10 high schools
Apr 22nd, 2014 by Milwaukee Public Schools
7 Can’t Miss YP Week Events
Young Professional Week features some 30 events. Here's our pick of the top seven.
Apr 11th, 2014 by Jeramey Jannene
More MPS students meeting reading standards year-over-year and over 5 years
Gains follow implementation of Comprehensive Literacy Plan; largest uptick seen at high school but the need for further improvement is great
Apr 8th, 2014 by Milwaukee Public Schools
MPS’ Rufus King in state’s top 3 on Washington Post list of top high schools
King also among the 50 best in the Midwest; the latest in a long line of honors
Apr 7th, 2014 by Milwaukee Public Schools
$250,000 Bucyrus Foundation gift will expand welding lab at MPS’ Bradley Tech H.S.
Expands access to an in-demand career pathway
Mar 26th, 2014 by Milwaukee Public Schools
The House of Hank the Dog
The Brewer's canine mascot has a nine-room Whitefish Bay home and 10,000 square foot lot to roam in, all worth $570,000.
Mar 24th, 2014 by Michael Horne
New Champion of the City
New council president Michael Murphy is bluntly honest about state politicians in an interview.
Mar 17th, 2014 by Steven Walters
Sendoff set as MPS’ Rufus King Generals boys basketball team heads for state
Pep rally to be held Thursday, March 13 at 8:15 a.m. before Friday game
Mar 12th, 2014 by Milwaukee Public Schools
MPS Board Pres. Bonds offers comments on resignation of Supt. Thornton
Statement of School Board President Bondes
Mar 12th, 2014 by Milwaukee Public Schools
MPS’ high-performing Whitman Elementary School is growing to K-8
Southwest-side school's expansion continues MPS’ path of strategic facility use
Feb 28th, 2014 by Milwaukee Public Schools
Senior at MPS’ Rufus King H.S. wins President’s Volunteer Service Award
Chariesse Ellis has provided more than 200 hours of service; comes as MPS adds community service to graduation requirements
Feb 27th, 2014 by Milwaukee Public Schools
Mayor Tom Barrett’s 2014 State of the City Address
Milwaukee February 24, 2014 As Prepared for Delivery
Feb 24th, 2014 by Mayor Tom Barrett
Why Did Thornton Leave?
The loss of MPS superintendent raises troubling questions about public education in Milwaukee.
Feb 20th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
All MPS K5 students to see their science curriculum come alive at a working farm
The grade-specific, highly-developed programs are aimed at engaging the senses and imaginations of students.
Feb 18th, 2014 by Milwaukee Public Schools
Dr. Thornton named CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools
Baltimore City Public Schools announced today Dr. Gregory E. Thornton, Superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools, will become the new Chief Executive Officer of the district, pending successful contract negotiations.
Feb 18th, 2014 by Milwaukee Public Schools
Looking for a new school for the fall? MPS enrollment now open in person or online
Apply by Feb. 21 for your best opportunity for a seat in your first-choice school
Feb 12th, 2014 by Milwaukee Public Schools
100+ schools – including options exclusive to MPS – to be showcased at Enrollment Fair
Strong neighborhood, arts, CTE, IB, language immersion and Montessori schools on display for those looking for a new school for next year or coming years
Feb 3rd, 2014 by Milwaukee Public Schools
MPS’ Hamilton senior Kevon Looney named a McDonald’s All American
Honor student, basketball standout is 2nd player to win the honor in MPS history; 6th ever in Wisconsin
Jan 31st, 2014 by Milwaukee Public Schools
MPS aquaponics programming expanding thanks to $98,000 from AT&T, NEA Foundation
Funding will expand program in Milwaukee to 5 new schools; Farming project grows students’ interest in STEM; photo gallery link below
Jan 29th, 2014 by Milwaukee Public Schools
MPS’ Golda Meir School, rated ‘Exceeds Expectations’ by the state, is expanding into high school
January open house and testing dates set for top-rated gifted and talented school with a limited number of 9th-grade seats available for upcoming year
Jan 8th, 2014 by Milwaukee Public Schools
MPS Board vote authorizes sale of former school site to create innovative, first-in-the-region educator housing facility
Concept puts Bay View neighborhood property onto tax rolls and offers mentoring, collaboration for teachers who undertake the critical work of educating Milwaukee students
Dec 19th, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Schools
Greater Milwaukee Committee’s Teachtown MKE launches crowdfunding campaign
Educational initiative to use crowdfunding to make teacher’s classroom dreams come true
Dec 12th, 2013 by Greater Milwaukee Committee
One of America’s ‘Best and Brightest Young Artists’ is at MPS’ Milwaukee High School of the Arts
MHSA students have received the national honor for four straight years
Dec 4th, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Schools
Council vote advances redevelopment plan to create IB Middle Years school, community uses at Malcolm X site
The Milwaukee Common Council voted Tuesday to move forward a comprehensive redevelopment of Milwaukee Public Schools’ former Malcolm X Academy.
Nov 26th, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Schools
Leader at MPS’ Pulaski High wins national ‘Principal of the Year’ honors from NABSE
And Pulaski business educator Mauricio Garzon honored by national group
Nov 22nd, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Schools
MPS educator named Phy. Ed. ‘Teacher of the Year’
5 MPS educators in total -- including Dr. Thornton -- honored for commitment to PE; MPS has added 90+ art, music, PE specialists to schools
Nov 22nd, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Schools
Police Scam Artists
Why does the cop’s union protect officers who rip off taxpayers?
Nov 12th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Milwaukee’s Most Underestimated Leader?
MPS superintendent Gregory Thornton has quietly righted a ship that once looked ready to sink.
Nov 5th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
MPS seeks proposals for innovative teacher housing concept at Dover site
Formal Request for Proposals for a first-in-the-region facility issued Tuesday
Nov 5th, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Schools
How Republicans Will Hurt City Real Estate
Reacting to a smelly deal involving one school building, legislators are pushing a badly-flawed bill that worsens the problem.
Oct 17th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
MPS enrollment grows for the first time in a decade
Families recognizing significant improvement and successes
Oct 14th, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Schools
Riverside girls track team to cut ribbon on new track Saturday
Set for 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 12 at school; track had not been upgraded since 1977
Oct 11th, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Schools
New Rufus King, Riverside high school principals coming back to familiar places
Jennifer Smith is a graduate of Rufus King, Michael Harris graduated from Riverside
Sep 26th, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Schools
More MPS schools meeting, exceeding expectations on state report cards — but much more must be done
Thirty-four MPS schools are rated meets expectations, exceeds expectations or significantly exceeds expectations in the second year of DPI report cards, up from 29 schools in the first year.
Sep 17th, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Schools
The Media’s Declining Clout
As newspaper readership declines, government officials increasingly ignore stories that once would have embarrassed them.
Sep 6th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Send in the Cops?
Ald. Donovan wants more cops in MPS, Chief Flynn wants a different approach. Who’s right?
Sep 5th, 2013 by Terry Falk
How MPS Is Improving Instruction
Common Core Standards are changing schools here and statewide, but Tea Party Republicans object.
Aug 29th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
MPS’ ACT participation continues to grow; district further boosting college/career readiness efforts
Mirroring state average trend, average MPS scores relatively flat over recent years.
Aug 21st, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Schools
Uncertain Outlook for Milwaukee Public Schools?
Poverty, crime and retiree benefits all are issues for MPS, Thornton tells conference on schools.
Aug 9th, 2013 by Edgar Mendez
Still looking for the right school? Enrollment and playground fun nights begin Monday
School tours -- and free family fun -- offered at 5 northwest-side MPS schools
Jul 22nd, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Schools
Grant Langley’s Dour Ranch Home
It may be one of the dullest, most invisible homes in Milwaukee, and just barely.
Jul 12th, 2013 by Michael Horne
Gregory Thornton’s Urban Apartment
He's got a place in the 23 story Prospect Towers, but is it named after Armstrong, Ellington or maybe Billie Holiday?
Jun 21st, 2013 by Michael Horne
MPS’ Class of 2013 earns more than $17.7 million in scholarships
Tops last year's total; 'Senior Scholars' honored Friday
Jun 14th, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Schools
Approved MPS budget brings 45 more art, music, physical education, librarian positions into schools
Builds upon boost in place for 2012-13; Board approved 2013-14 spending plan Tuesday night
Jun 12th, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Schools
Jackie Robinson Middle School Remade as Senior Living Community
Gorman & Company recently completed the conversion of Jackie Robinson Middle School into the Sherman Park Senior Living Community.
Jun 3rd, 2013 by Shakara Robinson
MPS’ Rufus King wins national ACT award for college and career readiness
Rufus King International School is the only high school in the nation to receive the award
May 22nd, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Schools
3 MPS students win Gates scholarships covering 100% of unmet need to college of their choice
Students from MPS' Riverside, South Division who worked with College Possible to be recognized at Monday event
May 17th, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Schools
Governor, state supt. nominate MPS’ Rufus King for national ACT award
MPS' Rufus King International School, state's high school nominee, to be recognized Monday
May 5th, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Schools
MPS budget plan doubles most elementary schools’ funding for art, music, physical education teachers
Budget proposal released Wednesday is focused on investing as much as possible in classrooms
Apr 24th, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Schools
MPS’ top schools again earn high marks in Washington Post, U.S. News national rankings
Post ranks 2 MPS schools as tops the Milwaukee region and among the 50 best in Midwest; U.S. News ranks 3 MPS schools in state top 25
Apr 23rd, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Schools
MPS state test score results largely mirror state trend
Results reflect new higher expectations for students across Wisconsin
Apr 23rd, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Schools
MPS student wins 1st place in national essay contest
Lorenzo Contreras returning tonight from trip to NYC to accept honors
Apr 11th, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Schools
5 MPS students, 5 MPS educators win Herb Kohl Foundation scholarships, fellowships
Awards net students, staff and schools $15,000
Mar 15th, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Schools
MPS’ Gaenslen School wins national recognition for pre-engineering program
School awarded Project Lead the Way Gateway to Technology National Recognition
Mar 6th, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Schools
MPS to offer early contracts to highly-qualified educators Saturday as district seeks 700 new teachers
District-wide teacher and paraprofessional recruitment events begins at 9 a.m. at MPS’ Vincent High School
Feb 28th, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Schools
Mayor Barrett’s 2013 State of the City Address
Monday, February 25, 2013, Pritzlaff Building
Feb 25th, 2013 by Mayor Tom Barrett
All 5,000 MPS 3rd-graders to experience part of science curriculum at Milwaukee Public Museum
Newest Learning Journey partnership to be announced Thursday morning
Feb 6th, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Schools
MPS employee to receive U.S. Department of Defense’s Patriot Award for supporting “citizen warrior” colleague
Speech pathologist Wendy Weir, called a ‘hero’ by 1st Sgt. Ginger Macdonald, to receive award Friday at 12:30 p.m. at MPS Central Services
Feb 1st, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Schools
Board approves plan to transform MPS’ Bay View High School
School to build on science/technology/engineering/arts/math programs to focus on innovation and creativity; middle school to be phased out; smaller 9th-grade class next year; students, staff will be asked to recommit
Jan 31st, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Schools
MPS’ initial budget plans give another boost to art, music, physical ed as budget survey opens
Parents, community members asked to weigh in on priorities
Jan 29th, 2013 by Milwaukee Public Schools
M. L. King Library is Open and Will Hold a Special Program on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
All Other Milwaukee Public Libraries are closed for the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
Jan 16th, 2013 by Press Release
Biggest Taxer in Town
Over the last five years property taxes have been driven by just one of the five local taxing units: Milwaukee Public Schools.
Jan 15th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
The Long Road to Reform
It took Boston at least a decade to improve its public schools. Is there a lesson for Milwaukee?
Jan 9th, 2013 by Dave Steele
The Impact of Charter Schools
The promise -- and problems -- of America’s most popular alternative to public schools can be seen in Milwaukee.
Nov 27th, 2012 by Dave Steele
Milwaukee Public Schools Promotes Fire Safety Awareness
Survive Alive House will host fire safety kick-off and 20th anniversary celebration on October 8.
Oct 8th, 2012 by Press Release
