NEW BEDFORD, Mass. - BostonChron -- The Global Learning Charter Public School (GLCPS), a tuition-free public charter school that currently services 500 students in grades 5-12, will begin the new school year under new leadership as Stephen J. Furtado, Jr. becomes the new Executive Director.

Furtado, Jr. replaces Dr. Stephen J. Furtado, Sr., who announced his planned retirement last year, and will complete his 15-year tenure as of June 30, 2024.  The search for Furtado's replacement was conducted by the GLCPS Board of Trustees.

Furtado, Jr. served as the school's Director of Business and Finance for the last 12 years.  During this time, highlights of his accomplishments include realizing over $4.7 million in combined end-of-year surplus funding, the renovation of the new, state-of-the-art Joan and Irwin Jacobs Center for STEAM Education, and a five-year "Low Risk" rating average on the Massachusetts Charter School Financial Dashboard.

"Over his tenure, Steve has been a vital contributor to the achievements of the Global Learning Charter Public School," said Marc Clerc, chair of the GLCPS Board of Trustees.  "We can think of no one better to further foster the school's reputation for educational excellence and community engagement."

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Furtado, Jr. came to Global Learning Charter Public School in 2010, starting as the school's assistant to the Director of Business.  Prior to joining GLCPS, Furtado, Jr. served as a Program Director at YMCA South Coast Camp Massasoit.

Furtado, Jr. earned his MBA in organizational leadership and Bachelor of Science in accounting from UMass Dartmouth.  He holds an initial license for superintendent/assistant superintendent and a professional license for school business administrator, both issued by the Massachusetts Department of Education.  He is also a Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official by the Office of the Inspector General.

"It is a wonderful honor to continue to grow from the history of excellence that has been achieved here at GLCPS," said Furtado, Jr.  "Our students, families, staff and board have all worked so hard to create a wonderful academic atmosphere. GLCPS is a special community and I look forward to working with everyone to continue this great school."

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 lpoyant@glcps.org.