FARMINGTON – The executive director of the Franklin County Children’s Task Force is stepping down to be involved in Head Start programs once again. Veteran educator Tom Taylor of Farmington is stepping in as interim director.

Task force Executive Director Steve Russell of Farmington will be working for the University of Massachusetts to provide technology assistance to Head Start programs in northern New England.

Most of his duties will be performed from his Franklin County home, with some traveling involved, Russell said Friday.

Russell was named executive director of the Children’s Task Force in May 2003. He replaced Liz Kuhlman, who held the position for nearly a decade.

Previously, Russell had worked 17 years as the director of Franklin County Head Start, Early Head Start and Child Care services. With Russell at the helm, the organization grew 16 staff members to 64, and its annual budget went from $600,000 to $3 million.

Taylor and Russell are working together over the next two weeks until Russell leaves the position Dec. 6.

Taylor was in education for 38 years until he retired this spring.

He worked for SAD 9, first teaching ninth grade math, beginning in 1969. He also served as principal of Cascade Brook School for 13 years.

Taylor said he never dreamed of totally giving up work once he retired.

“I was still looking for challenges,” Taylor said.