GLCPS Announces Retirement of Executive Director

The Global Learning Charter Public School (GLCPS) is bidding a fond farewell to its dedicated leader. After 15 years of unwavering service to the district, Executive Director Dr. Stephen J. Furtado, Sr, has announced his retirement, effective June 30, 2024.

Dr. Furtado has been a steadfast advocate for the students, faculty, and families within the city’s longest-serving charter school for more than a decade. Under his visionary leadership, GLCPS has seen remarkable advancements in educational standards, innovation and community engagement. His commitment to creating an inclusive, nurturing, and academically rigorous environment has left an indelible mark on New Bedford’s educational landscape.

Throughout his tenure, Dr. Furtado championed numerous initiatives that transformed the Global Learning Charter Public School into a model for excellence, including:

• Overseeing the expansion of the school’s campus with the completion in February, 2023 of the new, state of the art Joan and Irwin Jacobs Center for STEAM Education.
• Guaranteeing the school's fiscal health and ensuring it remains financially secure.
• Guiding the Board of Trustees and staff toward creating a vibrant, safe, inclusive culture of academic excellence for all students.

GLCPS will sorely miss Dr. Furtado's leadership and dedication. His retirement marks the end of an era for the district. The Board of Trustees is actively engaged in the search for a successor who will carry forward the legacy of educational excellence and community engagement that Dr. Furtado has fostered.

As Dr. Furtado prepares to transition into retirement, he expresses his appreciation for the countless educators, parents, and students who have been part of his journey. "It has been an honor to serve as the executive director of GLCPS. I am immensely proud of the progress we have made together, and I am confident that the district will continue to flourish in the capable hands of the next executive director."

In the coming weeks, the GLCPS Board of Trustees will conduct a search for a new executive director. Dr. Furtado will remain in his role until June 30, 2024 to ensure a smooth transition.

Open to New Bedford residents, Global Learning Charter Public School is a tuition-free public school that serves students in grades 5-12. GLCPS offers a small, personalized learning environment in which students are encouraged to realize their full potential, both academically and personally.

For more information, please visit www.glcps.org or call 508-991-4105.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact Lynn Poyant at (508) 991-4105 or [email protected].