School Board Appoints Assistant Superintendent of Facilities and Operations

The School Board appointed Renée Harber as the Assistant Superintendent of Facilities and Operations. Harber currently serves as the Principal of Swanson Middle School.

“Throughout her career, Renée Harber has demonstrated her vision that facilities and operations should support the high-quality instructional programming taking place in all APS buildings,” said Superintendent Dr. Francisco Durán. “Her demonstrated leadership skills and focus on collaboration make her an ideal leader to serve in this important position. Having served as administrator of an APS middle school, she brings vital building-level experience that will help support and move the department forward.”

Harber is a proactive, collaborative leader with over 20 years of experience in Arlington Public Schools. During her time in APS, Harber has served a variety of leadership roles, currently serving as the Principal of Swanson Middle School. She draws on her strong communication and interpersonal skills to build effective relationships with staff, students, and the community. She guides high-performing teams to implement programs, policies, and initiatives that maximize resources, improve operations, and promote student success.

As Principal of Swanson, Harber provides strategic leadership and direction to a middle school that currently serves 900 students and 125 staff members. She articulates and implements a clear vision that improves student outcomes and motivates staff to achieve success. Harber is skilled and experienced in managing school facility operations, including maintenance and custodial services. She integrates proven strategies to effectively address building and operational needs, prioritizes, and expedites requests.

Harber works closely with her team, including her custodial staff, to improve building quality and raise morale to provide an optimal learning environment for all students. She has served on the building planning committees for renovations at Swanson, the Career Center and Dorothy Hamm Middle School.

Prior to serving as Principal, Harber served in a variety of leadership, administrative and instructional roles in APS, including Assistant Principal at Swanson, Assistant Principal and Director of Counseling at the Arlington Career Center; and Teacher Development Specialist in the Office of Professional Development. She began her career in education as a teacher at Swanson in 1997.Harber earned a Bachelor of Science in elementary education at Eastern Michigan University, a Master of Science in education at Canisius College and a Master of Education in education leadership at George Mason University.

Her appointment is effective Feb. 1.