(Baltimore, MD) – Dr. Donna Hargens, the superintendent of Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Catholic schools, announced Thursday she will retire at the end of the school year, kicking off a national search for her replacement.
Hargens spent 45 years in education, leading the Archdiocese of Baltimore Department of Catholic Schools since July 2018. Catholic schools in the Archdiocese enroll nearly 25,000 students at 40 elementary and middle schools and 18 high schools in Baltimore City and Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Harford, Howard and Washington counties.
During her tenure, Hargens guided schools through the COVID-19 global pandemic, ensured the distinguished Cognia re-accreditation of local Catholic schools through 2027 and opened the Mother Mary Lange Catholic School in 2021, a $25 million investment and the first new Catholic school in Baltimore City in six decades.
Hargens’ announcement also comes as five Archdiocesan schools are advancing this year in the national Blue Ribbon process out of a possible 50 non-public schools in the nation that can be nominated for the prestigious awards. The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools will be announced this month.
“Dr. Hargens has faithfully fulfilled our mission of providing a high-quality, faith-based education that nurtures the whole child ̶ academically, spiritually, morally, and physically,” said Gregory A. Farno, chancellor of education for the Archdiocese. “Her track record of transformative impact is underscored by exemplary leadership, passion and dedication to the development and success of students.”
“The joy and honor has been mine to serve six school years in leadership of our Catholic schools, guiding the children who attend them and supporting the educators who bring our classrooms to life and accompanying the parents who invest in our Christ-centered mission,” Hargens said. “My focus going forward is making this school year the best it possibly can be. They deserve our very best effort.”
Hargens previously served as superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools in Louisville, Kentucky, chief academic officer for Wake County Public Schools in North Carolina and worked as a principal, assistant principal, and a high school Spanish and English teacher. She earned a doctorate in educational leadership, management and policy from Seton Hall University.
The Archdiocese’s search for the next superintendent begins immediately.