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Bio
Dr. Donna Hargens began her career with the Wake County Public School System in 1989 as assistant principal of Millbrook High. Since then she has served in a variety of administrative positions before being named WCPSS's chief academic officer and interim superintendent. (Click here for more background information.)
Hargens earned her bachelor's degree from Marquette University, her master's degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her doctorate from Seton Hall University.
She began her career as a teacher of Spanish and English in the School District of Lomira (Wisconsin) in 1979. She came to WCPSS as an assistant principal at Millbrook High in 1989 before serving as principal in Cary High (1992-1999) and Green Hope High (1999-2003). Hargens oversaw regional schools as the Western Area Assistant Superintendent from 2003 to 2005, served as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction from 2005 to 2006, then took on her current role as Chief Academic Officer in 2006.
As Chief Academic Officer, Hargens acts as liaison to the school board's Student Achievement Committee, aligns the work of three departments (Curriculum and Instruction, Evaluation and Research, and Student Support Services), and facilitates the district-wide implementation of the 2007 independent curriculum management audit.
(Formal bio.)
On April 6, 2010, Dr. Donna Hargens was named interim superintendent of the Wake County Public School System by the Wake County Board of Education. She will oversee the administrative duties of day-to-day operations of the school system in addition to her role as Chief Academic Officer.
Board Goal
WCPSS students will demonstrate high academic growth; by 2014, all students will graduate on-time prepared to compete globally. Learn more about the goal.
Superintendent's Vision
A community of caring stakeholders (parents, teachers, administrators, and staff) will successfully work collaboratively with support from the broader community to ensure that every child educated in the Wake County Public School System graduates on time, prepared for the future.
Superintendent's Mission
To create and maintain systems with sufficient resources for establishing a collaborative, inclusive, and trusting environment for all stakeholders and for providing high quality learning experiences for each student to ensure success in the 21st century.
Chief Officers
- Interim Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer: Donna Hargens (Instructional Services)
- Chief Area Superintendent: Danny Barnes (Area Superintendents)
- Chief Business Officer: David Neter (Administrative Services)
Mission, Vision and Values
The Wake County Public School System Administrative Services Division provides a comprehensive suite of business support services
for all schools and departments within the system. Business support services include budget, financial processing, financial reporting,
purchasing, compensation services and benefits, human resources, risk management, information provision, and technology services. The Administrative Services Division targets to provide a high level of customer service to all school and central service based staff in support of Learning and Teaching. The Division also continues its directive of expanding fiscal accountability throughout the system.
- Chief Communications Officer: Michael Evans (Communications Services)
Mission, Vision and Values
The mission of the Communications Services Division is to provide services and share information to increase understanding within our community to support 21st century learning in our school system. The division provides public information and media services through the Communications Department, access to school facilities and adult learning opportunities through Community Services, the Customer Service Center, and the school system's Print Shop and Graphic Design Services.
- Chief Facilities and Operations Officer: Don Haydon (Auxiliary Services)
Mission, Vision and Values
The Auxiliary Services Division provides and maintains facilities that are safe, healthy, and supportive of learning and teaching. While our employees will never administer a math or spelling test to students, we believe student performance is enhanced when they arrive at school safely. We are also responsible for ensuring that students are fed a healthy meal, housed in a classroom that is clean and comfortable, and are in a place where they feel safe and secure.
- Chief of Staff: Terri Cobb (Organizational Development and Support)
Mission, Vision and Values
Organizational Development and Support includes the Security Department, the Office of Professional Development, Student Due Process and Policy, and the Triangle Leadership Academy. The Division supports all areas within the district including the schools, the Board of Education, the Superintendent's Office, as well as other divisions and departments. The mission of Organizational Development and Support is to advance continuous improvement within district systems and structures that lead to high-quality services for students.
