(Columbia, SC) – Richland School District Two Director of Magnet Programs, Barbara Turner, has been elected to serve on the Magnet Schools of America (MSA) Board of Directors. Turner will serve a two year term as a specialized director. Specialized directors are elected by the MSA membership are skilled in several areas including, but are not limited to the following: (a) Higher Education, State, or Local School Officials, and Equity Assistance Centers (b) Theme-Based Specialist, (c) Curriculum Specialist, (d) Evaluation and Research Specialist, (e) Nonprofit/private affiliate, (f) Magnet Affiliate.
Turner said,
I am excited about the opportunity to represent Richland Two in this capacity. We’ve always looked to MSA to help us to determine what high quality magnet programs look like. Now I’ll have a seat at the table to provide input about the best ways the organization can continue supporting districts on their journey to offering strong magnet programs.
Barbara Turner
Board members are required to attend three meetings each year, held in conjunction with conferences: one in the fall with Technical Assistance and Training, one in the winter with Policy Training, and one with the National Conference on Magnet Schools. According to MSA, “All of MSA’s directors have not only been catalysts for change in their own communities, they are leading a national dialogue and creating strategies for magnet schools by improving educational environments now that lead us into the future.”
Turner has served in her current position with the district since 2018. She has over 20 years of experience in the field of education and started her journey as a classroom teacher. She has also worked as a school counselor, Magnet Schools Assistance Program grant coordinator, and Education Associate for Magnet Programs at the South Carolina Department of Education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia College, Chicago, and an educational specialist degree from the University of South Carolina.
Turner oversees 40 magnet programs in Richland Two. The district’s programs have received numerous MSA Merit Awards of Excellence and Distinction and 25 have earned national magnet certification; 12 programs hold the esteemed title of National Demonstration Magnet School.
