Carroll schools name Lockard, county native, as new chief
The Carroll County Public Schools tapped a county native, a graduate of Westminster High School and the son of former county school teachers to serve as its new superintendent.
Steven Lockard, the deputy schools superintendent of Fairfax County, Va., was named Wednesday to succeed the current superintendent this summer.
Lockard will replace Stephen Guthrie, who plans to step down June 30
Lockard, 47, comes to Carroll after nearly four years as the deputy superintendent for Fairfax County Public Schools, including a stint as the system’s interim superintendent from November 2016 to July 2017. Before that, he was the deputy superintendent for Frederick County Public Schools, having worked his way up through that school system.
Education was a family affair for Lockard. Not only were both his parents teachers in Carroll County, but his father,
Lockard called it “very special” for him to take on a role that once belonged to his father. Carroll gave him his education and his “start in life,” he added.
“I’m excited to give back to the community that has given to me and my family," Lockard said.
Lockard will be making $212,500, according to his contract. Guthrie leaves the
Board of Education President Bob Lord said Lockard comes to Carroll with a lot of experience from different systems.
He’s never worked for Carroll, so he’s something of an outsider and brings outside perspective, Lord said. But Lockard also grew up in the county schools, and understands how the system works.
“He can bring a fresh set of eyes — a different perspective of what might work, what might not,” Lord said.
While Lockard’s parents were both in education, and loved teaching, Lockard said, they never pushed him toward it.
“I just found myself kind of gravitating toward helping others,” he said.
What’s great about teaching, he said, is that he can affect others and help students succeed.
“Whether it’s teaching or serving at the district level, the role is about supporting and serving others,” Lockard said.
Lockard said he knows Carroll County schools face challenges.
“Every system has its challenges,” he said, “but I also recognize that there’s a great system in Carroll County Public Schools.”
While Lockard said he’s been following the problems and key issues, he knows it will be important to talk to the students and teachers and community members to really understand their concerns. He said he understands the importance of building mutual trust and positive relationships with people in the school system and the community and plans to offer many opportunities for community engagement and outreach.
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