The eldest son of an educator who served as his 8th Grade Teacher, Glenn Starnes II learned the values of dedication, commitment, and passion for children at an early age, which launched his immersion into public education. For nearly two decades, Glenn has enriched the lives of students, families, educators, and communities as an educational pioneer and leader of change. With equity and innovation as the backdrop for his school leadership efforts, Mr. Starnes has marshaled students and staff members alike toward academic and instructional excellence. Currently, Glenn serves as the Senior Deputy Chief for SEAD Strategy (Social, Emotional and Academic Development, formerly known as the Office of Secondary Schools), where his division supports all DCPS schools through developing and implementing policies and programming, with a specific focus on Athletics, Career Preparedness, College Preparedness and Persistence, JROTC, Ninth Grade Academies, School Academic Scheduling and Support, and Student Engagement. Prior to relocating back to the DMV, he served as the Principal at Harry P. Harding University High School in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, with prior experiences include founding Head of Middle and High Schools with KIPP North Carolina Public Schools, Principal at South Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, NC and Principal at Julian Gibson Elementary School in Winston-Salem, NC. In addition to his service in K-12 education, Mr. Starnes has held an appointment as Professor at Northern Virginia Community College and Director of Student Activities and Leadership at Virginia Union University, his alma mater. Mr. Starnes earned a Bachelor of Science in Business and Secondary Education, and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA.