William J. Barnes
HCPSS Superintendent
Biography
William J. Barnes is the Howard County Public School System Superintendent. He began his term July 1, 2024, after serving as Acting Superintendent from Jan. 10-June 30, 2024.
Prior to serving as Superintendent, Barnes was the HCPSS Chief Academic Officer and oversaw the departments of Special Education, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, and Program Innovation and Student Well-Being. In that role, he prioritized recruiting, developing and retaining leaders throughout those departments. He began his career with HCPSS in 2008, serving as the Coordinator of Secondary Mathematics and Director of Secondary and Pre-K-12 Curricular Programs. Prior to that, he served as a high school math teacher. Throughout his extensive career in education, he has held multiple leadership roles on state and national committees, panels, and groups; primarily focused on mathematics education. He has committed his entire career to enhancing educational outcomes for all students.
As a teacher, Barnes received National Board Certification and was awarded Maryland’s prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching in 2003, the highest award bestowed upon a mathematics teacher in Maryland.
Together we will BE GREAT!
In his First 90 Days plan, Superintendent Barnes prioritized the development of a new strategic vision for the school system. That final strategic plan reflects:
- HCPSS’ ongoing commitment to educational equity;
- Five focus areas of attendance, reading by grade 3, middle school mathematics proficiency, college and career ready, and effective discipline practices;
- Maryland’s Blueprint for the Future’s requirements; and
- Stakeholder values.
→ Learn more about the Strategic Plan
“The priorities in this plan place our student outcomes above all else and drive the collaborative focus of my leadership team and our partner stakeholders.” — Bill Barnes