By Brian Shane

Staff Writer

Worcester County’s outgoing schools chief says he’s considering a run for a seat on the county’s Board of Commissioners.

Lou Taylor, superintendent of Worcester County Public Schools, revealed his potential post-career plans in a radio interview March 27 on radio station WOCM 98.1-FM, along with school board President Todd Ferrante.

After talking through his decision to retire after a 41-year career in public schools, Ocean 98 morning show host David “Bulldog” Rothner asked Taylor what’s next. “Are you gonna take any time off?” he said.

Taylor said he does plan to take the summer off but would still be available to help the school system if they need him.

“I need to recharge,” he told Bulldog. “I need to feel better physically, mentally. I need to understand what life is about besides being in schools, because that’s all I’ve done.”

Show co-host Bill “The Dude” Todd followed up about Taylor’s future plans. “I’ve heard a rumor through the rumor mill,” he said, “that you might have some higher aspirations down the road here.”

Tayor clicked his tongue.

“Well, I’m considering,” he said. “That rumor is kind of true, because I have put it out there somewhat. If I can get rested and I can get rejuvenated, possibly running for District 6 county commissioner. All the stars have to line up.”

“I’m getting a lot of people patting me on the back, saying, ‘go for it, Lou’ right now. But nobody who runs never met a voter who didn’t vote for you until they go in the booth,” he added.

Adjacent to the Delaware state line, District 6 is located at the northern-most end of the county and includes the Bishopville area and parts of Ocean Pines.

Jim Bunting has served as the District 6 commissioners since 2010. He served as president from 2014 to 2019. Bunting, who turns 74 next week, told OC Today-Dispatch on Tuesday that he is “99 percent certain” he won’t run again in the 2026 election.

Taylor in his radio interview went on to say that he had other issues of concern, including public safety, continuity in our government, and how to work well with the Board of Education. He also said he’s “adamantly opposed” to the proposed field of wind turbines off the coast of Ocean City.

Ferrante then chimed in. “As somebody who works hand in hand with him, he’s not going to let any grass grow underneath him. He’s a Type A personality. He’s not going to sit home and just do nothing,” he said.

Taylor closed by thanking the radio hosts for their ongoing support for him, and for the school system.

“I’m hoping if I decide to enter the political field, that I will do the right things, and I can get your support moving forward,” he said. “Once I retire and everything, and it’s out there that I do it, if I do it, I look forward to you guys having me on.”

No candidates have officially filed yet to run for any of the seven County Commissioner seats in the 2026 election. In other county races, incumbents Sheriff Matt Crisafulli and Clerk of Circuit Court Susan Braniecki have filed for reelection, while newcomer Kathy Cater is the only candidate who has filed to run for school board.

School board members are now taking applications for a new superintendent and hope to name Taylor’s replacement by May.