Glenn Leonard Starnes II is a public education leader with nearly two decades of experience and a proven track record improving student outcomes while expanding opportunity in urban school systems. Over the course of his career, he has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and district leader, bringing a comprehensive perspective to the challenges and opportunities facing public education. The son of a retired public-school educator, Glenn’s leadership is grounded in a deep respect for teaching and learning and a commitment to building strong systems that support student success at scale. Glenn currently serves as Senior Deputy Chief for Social, Emotional, and Academic Development (SEAD) Strategy for District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), where he leads a PK–12 portfolio spanning graduation success initiatives, postsecondary pathways, career and technical education, athletics, and core academic systems such as scheduling, transcripts, and academic records. In this role, he oversees more than 90 staff and manages over $25 million in public and private funding while advising district leadership on strategies to strengthen graduation outcomes and expand college and career readiness.

Prior to his district leadership, Glenn served as principal in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools and as a founding Head of Schools supporting principals with KIPP North Carolina Public Charter Schools. Glenn holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Secondary Education from Virginia Union University, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Regent University, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Howard University. His leadership has been recognized with honors including Charlotte Post Foundation Educator of the Year. Glenn brings a scholar-practitioner approach to public education, focused on strengthening systems that align policy, practice, and opportunity to improve outcomes for students and families.