Interview with New President/CEO Dr. John

WITH THE OFFICIAL TRANSITION of school leadership to new President/CEO Dr. John Barnhardt in June, 2020, he has undertaken this important leadership role during one of the most unique moments in Bishop McNamara’s history due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The editorial staff of the Mustang Messenger wanted to learn more about Dr. Barnhardt’s transition into his new role as President/CEO and he was kind enough to share his thoughts about it and the challenges of operating a school in the midst of a global pandemic.

What have been the most impactful moments since your tenure began as President/CEO of Bishop McNamara High School?

Two moments stand out in my first few months at Bishop McNamara. First, I visited Mrs. Diehlmann’s virtual class in the first few weeks of learning. It was here that I first saw students fully embracing the virtual world and a world-class educator who had adapted her entire approach to instruction. It was also here that I first felt a strong sense of belonging in the virtual world! This visit gave me tremendous confidence and gratitude to belong to a community that was selflessly dedicated to supporting one another. The second moment came during a zoning and planning call with Prince George’s County officials. On this call, I was advocating for building permits for our La Reine Science & Innovation Center. Our advocacy was successful and permitting has moved forward, but the highlight was hearing every official’s sentiments about why this project is important to Prince George’s County. Every member of the planning board had a memory and important investment in our school. It is moments like this and connections like these that make our work gratifying!

At a time of many unique challenges regarding the operation of a school in the midst of a pandemic, what challenge has the school community met that reveals the fulfilment of our mission to educate hearts and minds in a dynamic, inclusive Catholic school community rooted in the Holy Cross tradition?

One of the greatest challenges in this pandemic is the establishment and strengthening of our community, virtually. An investment in Bishop McNamara is significant. Especially for our new parents, I am in awe and full of gratitude for the trust and confidence that our new families have given our school community. Moreover, many of our important “community-building” events like Back to School Night and most recently our Open House event, have been delivered entirely virtually. Despite the challenge of building a community without being in person, our family is thriving. Parents, students, and employees are finding ways to continue building relationships and this alone is an inspiration.

What have been your main priorities since becoming President/CEO of Bishop McNamara High School?

Our main priorities are to understand and meet the needs of our community. This is no small undertaking. School visioning and day to day operations as we’ve known them for the last 200 years of schools operating in this country, are different. As a result, I’ve directed our team to review policies, practices, and beliefs about every aspect of our program. This year, we’ve reviewed and redesigned our enrollment process, our counseling support, our athletics and fine arts programming, our daily operations, our virtual classroom model, and every one of our community events and celebrations. The second, closely behind moving to a virtual world, is to finish planning for the La Reine Science & Innovation Center. This work is on going and I couldn’t be more excited for what is to come for our students.

What thing, event, or person are you most grateful for since joining the Bishop McNamara family?

I am most thankful for the overwhelming support that every member of our community has afforded me. Whether it is our administrative team in their grace and patience with me learning new systems, our parent community in actively welcoming me and my entire family into their own, or even our students who have actively sought out partnership, I could not be more appreciative for the virtual welcome party that I’ve had these past few months.

Is there an administrator, faculty member, or staff person at BMHS you would like to thank? Why?

I am most thankful for our teachers. Teaching is an art and our teachers are masters in the art. That said, in March of 2020, the artform changed with no heads up or the ability to plan. Our teachers are working harder than they ever have before and they are Bishop McNamara’s most valuable resource. There is no amount of time off, coffee cards, or recognition that could even come close to fully realizing the important role they play in our successful virtual school model. To our teachers, thank you. Every day you make our vision a reality and there are 850 students and 135 employees who are thankful for your expertise and ability to adapt in a moment’s notice.

What advice would you like to offer Bishop McNamara students who are struggling in the midst of this pandemic?

Call a friend! Whether it is your best friend, a counselor, a favorite teacher, or me, remember that you are not alone and we are stronger together. Research has shown that processing trauma or stress as a community is more effective and health than processing alone. You are not alone, you have me and your entire McNamara family, please call on us!

What more have you learned about yourself since you became President/CEO of Bishop McNamara High School?

I’ve learned how much I rely on personal relationships in my professional career. I am an extrovert by nature - I get my energy from the community. Moving into Bishop McNamara and supporting strategic initiatives and making important decisions without an existing relationship or a chance to stop in visit with students, families, and faculty, has been hard!

I am most thankful for the overwhelming support that every member of our community has afforded me.