Indian River district names new assistant superintendent

The Indian River School District announced Karen T. Blannard as its new assistant superintendent.

Blannard’s hiring was approved by the board of education at its regular meeting July 27.

Blannard has more than 20 years of administrative experience with Baltimore County Public Schools and the Maryland Department of Education.

“We are excited to welcome Mrs. Blannard to the IRSD team as our new assistant superintendent,” said Dr. Jay Owens, superintendent. “Mrs. Blannard’s administrative experience with Baltimore County Public Schools and the Maryland Department of Education will greatly benefit our efforts to provide top-flight educational services to our families. I look forward to working with Karen and have no doubt that her experience and expertise will be a wonderful asset to our students and staff.”

Since 2010, Blannard has served as an assistant superintendent/executive director of school support for Baltimore County Public Schools. Prior to that assignment she was an on-loan coordinator of professional development for the Maryland State Department of Education from 2005-09.

“I look forward to beginning this new chapter in my professional career and to residing in Delaware with my husband,” said Blannard. “I am eager to visit IRSD’s schools and to meet their teams of hardworking educators. I want to thank the board of education for this opportunity and I am excited to collaborate with Dr. Owens, the administrative staff and the board to ensure that all students reach their fullest potential.”

Blannard holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary/early childhood preK-8 education from College Misericordia and a master’s degree in education from McDaniel College. She has also completed post-master’s work in administration and supervision at Towson University.