Department Of Education Names New Associate Commissioner For Charter Schools

Barker, a resident of Cambridge, has served on five charter school inspection teams to advise the Department and the Board of Education on issues of charter school renewals. She also served as Executive Intern Superintendent for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools in Charlotte, North Carolina, and was Assistant Director of the Modern Red Schoolhouse Project for the Hudson Institute Public Policy Research Organization.

Commissioner Driscoll said, "We're very excited about having someone with Susan's background and experience. She specifically worked with us on some of our inspections and has experience in other states. With her strong academic background, Susan will make a great addition to the charter school program."

As Associate Commissioner for Charter Schools, Barker will assist the Department of Education in overseeing the 34 Commonwealth and five Horace Mann charter schools and the startup of new charter schools. Barker will also assist the Department in the school and district accountability system and school-based management programs.

A doctoral candidate at the Harvard Graduate School of Education in Administration, Planning and Social Policy, Barker has a bachelor's and master's degree in elementary education from the Indiana University School of Education.

Barker is replacing Edward Kirby, who served as Acting Associate Commissioner of Charter Schools, and is now working to complete a doctoral degree.