Shonda Huery Hardman

Shonda Huery Hardman is no stranger to HISD schools. The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts graduate will bring her more than 20 years of experience and knowledge of administration to the role of Chief High School Officer. Huery Hardman, who recently served as assistant superintendent of HISD’s Futures Academy, will oversee 47 campuses with a combined enrollment of about 51,000 students.

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A veteran educator and administrator, Huery Hardman began her career in the Washington, D.C., area as an English teacher. She later served as a principal, assistant principal, instructional coach, and English language arts teacher in the Houston Independent School District. Hardman also served as an academic superintendent in Boston, where she coached, supervised, and supported principals, and was a chief of schools in Chicago Public Schools.

HISD Superintendent Terry Grier says her history makes her the right fit for the role.

“Dr. Huery Hardman’s experience in the classroom, as a principal, a mentor and supervisor of principals, will help HISD continue the transformative work that is already under way in our high schools,” Grier said. “She is familiar with Houston, understands the needs of our communities, and is ready to address the needs of our students so that they may overcome obstacles and reach their academic goals.”

Huery Hardman assumes the position just in time to celebrate Houston ISD’s success in the 2014 Children at Risk Greater Houston School Rankings.  Five district high schools were ranked in the top 10 of the region: DeBakey High School for Health Professions (No. 1), High School for Performing and Visual Arts (No. 2), and Carnegie Vanguard (No. 4), Eastwood Academy (No. 6), and Challenge Early College High School (No. 7). The 2014 rankings were unveiled Monday and include 1,208 Houston-area schools in traditional school districts and charter schools.

 Huery Hardman received a master’s degree in educational administration from Trinity Washington University in Washington, D.C., as well as a master’s degree in education policy and management from Harvard University. She also earned a doctorate from Harvard, where her research focused on understanding the behavior of exemplary teachers serving students in high-poverty schools.

She and her husband, Dr. Julian Hardman, have two daughters.