GLADES COUNTY — Dr. Alice E. Barfield, Superintendent of Schools in Glades County, has been selected to participate in the esteemed Harvard Superintendents Leadership Program. Dr. Barfield is the only superintendent from Florida chosen for this year’s cohort, a distinction that recognizes her exceptional leadership in education and her unwavering commitment to the students of Glades County.

Florida’s Commissioner of Education, Manny Diaz stated that, “Dr. Barfield’s commitment to her students is evident in the progress that students in her district have made over the last several years. Educational success is reliant upon strong leadership and Dr. Barfield is a prime example of what you can accomplish through strong and decisive leadership. This leadership program will help her further cultivate her leadership skills and give her the opportunity to share her own experiences with Superintendents from across the country”.

Since taking office in 2020, Dr. Barfield has led the Glades County School District to remarkable achievements, including an unprecedented gain in student proficiency and the district’s first "B" rating in over a decade. In addition to these academic strides, Dr. Barfield has dramatically decreased teacher vacancies and increased the number of certified teachers in the district, strengthening the educational foundation for Glades County students. Under her leadership, Glades County has also seen the rise of a highly successful Collegiate Academy in partnership with Florida Southwestern College, where approximately 17-20 students graduate each year with their Associate in Arts degree. Furthermore, the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs have flourished, with new offerings in Business, Agriculture, Nursing, and a collaborative partnership with I-Tech Glades, empowering students to pursue careers in high-demand industries. In addition, Dr. Barfield was instrumental in obtaining a Special Facilities Grant of over $57 Million Dollars to secure a new Elementary School and Transportation Facility.

“I am truly honored to be selected for the Harvard Superintendents Leadership Program,” said Dr. Barfield. “This opportunity will allow me to further refine my leadership skills and gain invaluable insights from educational leaders across the country, which I can bring back to Glades County to continue supporting our students and educators. My passion for rural education drives me to ensure that every student in our district has the chance to succeed and thrive.

The Harvard Superintendents Leadership Program is a highly competitive program designed to help district leaders develop innovative strategies for addressing the most pressing challenges in education today. Dr. Barfield’s participation in this program is not only a significant personal achievement but also a testament to the progress being made in Glades County under her leadership.