"We want to make sure we’re keeping students at the center of our decisions, the way we teach them, the way we treat them, and even how we expect them to behave."
HYA is proud to announce the successful completion of the superintendent search for Quincy Public Schools (QPS), resulting in the selection of Dr. Larry D. Gray II as the district’s next superintendent. Dr. Gray will officially begin his role on July 1 under a three-year contract.
The appointment follows a comprehensive search process conducted over the course of the 2025–2026 school year. Partnering closely with the Quincy Board of Education, HYA Associate Dr. Brian Harris and his team supported the district through a period of leadership transition, helping guide a thoughtful and deliberate process to identify the right leader for the community.
Dr. Gray currently serves as Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning for Decatur Public Schools in Illinois, where he has worked for the past four years. His career in education spans a wide range of roles, including central office administrator, principal, school counselor, and adjunct college professor. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, he brings both depth and breadth of experience to his new role in Quincy.
Throughout his career, Dr. Gray has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting students through innovative and compassionate approaches. His work in trauma-informed practices, including Life Space Crisis Intervention and Choice Theory/Reality Therapy, has contributed to measurable improvements in student outcomes, most notably reductions in suspension and expulsion rates and increased student retention and graduation rates.
Following his appointment, Dr. Gray emphasized his student-centered philosophy: “We want to make sure we’re keeping students at the center of our decisions, the way we teach them, the way we treat them, and even how we expect them to behave.”
The search process was shaped by extensive community input. HYA facilitated a stakeholder survey that gathered feedback from parents, staff, residents, alumni, and students. The results highlighted a desire for a superintendent who is visible, honest, and an effective communicator, qualities that aligned strongly with Dr. Gray’s leadership style and experience.
Board President Shelley Arns noted that HYA played a key role in narrowing the candidate pool and supporting the board throughout the evaluation process. From managing candidate recruitment to guiding interviews and final selection, HYA’s structured approach ensured the board could make a confident and informed decision.
The search itself reflected the district’s commitment to finding the right long-term leader. After an initial round of applications closed in November, the board made the strategic decision to reopen the search to expand the candidate pool, ultimately strengthening the quality of finalists considered.
As Quincy Public Schools looks ahead, Dr. Gray brings a clear vision for strengthening district culture, supporting educators, and improving student outcomes. His leadership arrives at an important moment for the district, providing stability and a renewed focus on student-centered decision-making.
HYA is honored to have partnered with Quincy Public Schools throughout this process and congratulates Dr. Gray and the Quincy community on this exciting new chapter.
Have Positions to Fill? HYA Can Help.
HYA’s search services empower districts to recruit and build strong, student-focused leadership teams through a transparent, community-driven process, ensuring boards can make confident decisions while maintaining focus on what matters most: student success.
