District Magnet Director appointed to National Position
June 13, 2024
Barbara Turner, Director of Magnet Programs for Richland School District Two has been named Region IV Director at Magnet Schools of America (MSA). This prestigious appointment recognizes Turner’s dedication and contributions to the field of magnet education.
Turner said, “I am thrilled to introduce myself as the newly elected Region IV Director at Magnet Schools of America. It is an honor to step into this role and serve such a dynamic and dedicated community of magnet educators, administrators, and supporters.”
As the Region IV Magnet Director, Turner will collaborate with other directors, educators, and stakeholders to share best practices, provide professional development, and advocate for policies that support magnet schools.
In her current role, Turner supports the district’s 37 magnet lead teachers by assisting with program design, implementation and sustainability. Richland Two boasts 15 national demonstration magnet schools and has earned 41 MSA Merit Awards of Excellence and Distinction since 2010.
She spearheaded a magnet program evaluation process by working with the National Institute of Magnet School Leadership to ensure magnet program accountability, and under her leadership, magnet programs in Richland Two have received numerous MSA Merit Awards of Excellence and Distinction, the National Magnet Principal and Teacher of the Year Awards, National New and Emerging Merit Award of Excellence, and the District Award for Magnet Sustainability.
As an educator with more than 20 years of experience in both classroom instruction and administrative leadership roles, Turner has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that magnet schools can have on students, families, and communities. Her work with magnet programs started as an MSAP Grant Coordinator managing a magnet implementation plan and budget of $1.8 million. Her role as an Education Associate at the South Carolina Department of Education allowed her to be instrumental in developing a statewide definition for magnet programs. In addition, Turner provided technical assistance and professional development to magnet school leaders across the state.
