The Grand Rapids Board of Education members who opposed Bernard Taylor can celebrate finally ousting the superintendent.

But now that they have assumed the majority and wrestled control, they’re going to have to show a school district weary of fighting that they have a plan to improve academics and manage diminishing finances.

Plus, they must find a new superintendent willing to lead a challenged district guided by a board that, fairly or not, is perceived to as union-controlled.

Board member Tony Baker, a Ferris State University professor and Michigan Education Association member, and Secretary Wendy Falb bristled last week at suggestions that the new majority is backed by the union. Both are widely expected to be in leadership posts when officers are picked at the next meeting.

The new board majority accepted the union’s endorsement and money, but Baker pointed out that the members were supported by others, including Mayor George Heartwell.

Organized labor’s influence has been an issue since the 2009 elections, when the anti-union Education Action Group mailed postcards depicting teachers union President Paul Helder as a puppet master with Baker and Falb dangling from strings.

And comments from the two departing board members don’t help Baker’s case. Catherine Mueller dismissed Baker and Falb as Helder’s lackeys and said the new majority is in denial if it believes it is independent from the union. Lisa Hinkel agreed.

That perception will be a hurdle as the new board looks for a new superintendent.

Experts have said the pool of potential school chiefs has thinned in recent years, and only a small number is qualified to lead a large urban system.

Considering the fuss over Taylor’s rolling five-year contract, many expect the new person to be offered a three-year deal. That’s not a lot of security for a challenging job, especially one that has had three occupants in the past 10 years.

Factor in the impression that the new school chief has to not only negotiate with the union but answer to it, as well.

If, in fact, the union carries clout, then its leadership needs to spell out concrete plans on how to turn around the district. Grand Rapids can become an MEA laboratory.

As former Secretary of State Colin Powell once told President George W. Bush: You break it; you own it.

We know that the new majority didn’t like any of Taylor’s changes blended learning, the H grade that gives failing students more time, hub classes for electives and other programs and policies set in place for financial or academic reasons.

Complaints about state funding cuts and the number of students living in poverty are not options. The new majority was aware of both issues when its members campaigned for the job.

Now that these board members have the keys to the district, they can do what they want. If Taylor was wrong, then let’s see what is right. It’s time to step up.

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