Each month, we'll be featuring school board members in an effort to learn more about the wonderful individuals serving on our boards!

Dr. Mary Harrington is vice president of the Anniston City Board of Education. She has achieved Master Honor Roll level in the AASB School Board Member Academy and served on several committees including the Academy Advisory, Bylaws and Nominating Committees as well as the School Board Standards Task Force and  Leader to Leader federal advocacy program. Harrington is a proud education advocate who is always seeking new ways to serve her community. 

Read below to learn more about Mary!

Q: What is your current occupation?

A: I am a retired education administrator from a nearby county. I've spent 20 years in the classroom and 19 years in administration to include testing coordinator, Title II coordinator, director of federal programs, curriculum director and interim superintendent.

Q: What inspired you to join the school board?

A: To ensure that all students (at all schools), particularly those where my grandchildren attend, enjoy the same experiences that their parents and my children experienced. l truly believe that education is the best chance of improving our citizenry for good.

Q: What is your favorite part about being a school board member?

A: The camaraderie as well as the opportunity to provide solutions and experiences that will improve the education process for all involved.

Q: What’s one thing you’ve learned since becoming a board member?

A: There are so many intricate parts and players in the decision making process, yet the board is responsible for policy making which sets the stage for most of the nuts and bolts.

Q: Is there anything you are particularly proud of accomplishing as a board member (i.e., new initiatives or special projects…)?

A: I enjoy seeing progress and student success! Since coming on the board, I've have seen progress in deficient areas such as finance which has allowed extra funding to be used for educational purposes.

Q: What piece of advice would you share with an incoming board member?

A: Make sure you take advantage of the training opportunities provided in order to know your role as a board member. This position requires teamwork which simply means no one person has all the answers.

Q: What are some of your hobbies?

A: I enjoy traveling, reading and spending time with my grandchildren.

Q: One thing to know about me is...

A: I am a first-generation college graduate. I grew up in a single family home after my mom left my abusive father; however, the Lord has blessed me to achieve goals I could've never dreamed of! This was because of caring teachers that would not let me fall through the cracks!

Q: Favorite inspirational quote...

A:  I have two.

“ I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me.” Philippians 4:13

“Looks like what drive me crazy don’t have no effect on you - but I’m gonna keep at it till it drives you crazy too." - Langston Hughes

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