Search for new Harris County School District superintendent down to 1 finalist
The search to hire a new superintendent for the Harris County School District has been narrowed to one finalist — and it’s somebody familiar with the Columbus area.
HCSD announced Thursday night on its Facebook page that the Harris County Board of Education selected Michael Barden as the sole finalist to be the school system’s next superintendent, succeeding Justin Finney, who announced in October he plans to retire at the end of this school year.
Barden is executive director of technology learning and support for the Muscogee County School District. His 27 years as an educator in public schools include being principal of Blackmon Road Middle School and Shaw High School in MCSD. He also has been a teacher and a coach.
“We are excited to have someone with the experience and ability of Mr. Barden to serve as our next superintendent,” HCSD board chairman Garnett Ray said in the Facebook post. “He is committed to Harris County Schools and has an outstanding record of successful leadership. We have had a deliberate and thorough search process, and I am appreciative of the work by the members of our Board.”
Georgia law requires the board of a public school district to wait at least 14 days after announcing the superintendent finalist or finalists before voting on final approval.
The HCSD board used consultants from Georgia Leadership Associates to choose Barden among 12 applicants, the post says.
According to his LinkedIn account, Barden earned a specialist’s degree in educational leadership and administration from Albany State University, a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from Columbus State University, a master’s degree in foundations of education from Troy University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from CSU.
