The Garrett County Board of Education announced at its
February 27th meeting that Ms. Barbara L. Baker will be the
Superintendent of Garrett County Public Schools beginning July 1, 2017.
She will continue to serve as Interim Superintendent until June 30, 2017.
Ms. Baker thanked the Board of Education members. She
went on to say, "I look forward to serving the students of Garrett County for
the next four years. I greatly appreciate the support of the teachers,
staff, and administrators. I know that we will work hard together as we
continue to do what is best for students."
Mrs. Monica Rinker, Board President, stated, "We are honored
to have a former Garrett County student and educator to lead our school
system. We have received positive feedback from the public and GCPS employees
endorsing Ms. Baker as the Superintendent."
Ms. Baker has served the students of Garrett County Public
Schools for the past 27 years. She began her career as a German
instructor at Southern Middle School in 1990. Since that time, she has
continued in a variety of roles including elementary school teacher,
principal, director, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, and
Interim Superintendent since July 1, 2016. During her tenure, she has
been responsible for overseeing classroom instruction, building management,
instructional leadership, school improvement, strategic planning, grant
writing and management, and serving as a chairperson for many committees and
teams. Her experience has led her to be involved in all facets of
education. She has worked with all stakeholders from students,
teachers, building administrators, community, to central office. Beyond her
involvement at the local level, Ms. Baker has participated in regional and
state level (MSDE) educational planning and implementation and is familiar
with state initiatives and related legislation.
Ms. Baker is a product of Garrett County Public Schools and a
graduate of Northern Garrett High School. She continued her education
at Ohio University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in
Elementary Education and a minor in German. Additionally, she has
earned a Master’s Degree in School Guidance and Counseling and certification
in Administration and Supervision. She is enrolled in the Frostburg
State University Doctoral program and is working toward a doctorate in
educational leadership with a concentration in P-12 Leadership.
Ms. Baker is an active member of the Oakland Rotary Club,
serving as the organization’s president since 2015. As a member of the
Rotary, Ms. Baker has served as chairman of the annual Christmas project,
organized and participated in fundraisers, and coordinated educational guest
speakers. Most recently the Rotary Club honored Ms. Baker with the Paul
Harris Fellowship Award. This is given annually to one member who has
gone above and beyond to serve the community in the spirit of Rotary.
She is also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a professional honor society of
women educators whose mission is to promote professional and personal growth
and excellence in education.
Ms. Baker is a resident of Garrett County and the daughter of
Robert and Ann (deceased) Taylor. She has two siblings who are also
involved in education – Suzan Taylor-O’Brien (teacher) and David Taylor
(Southern Garrett Wrestling Coach). She has one daughter, Nicole Ann
Baker, a 2016 graduate of Southern Garrett High School. Together, they
enjoy traveling, outdoor activities, attending national sporting events, and
supporting county activities such as sports, arts, sciences, and robotics.
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