OAKLAND — Brenda McCartney, superintendent of Garrett County Public Schools, announced her plans to retire at the end of the 2025–26 school year during Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting.
McCartney said the decision to retire was made with mixed emotions.
“I find what I do very personally rewarding. My successor will inherit a district filled with talented staff, fantastic students and a supportive community,” she said.
McCartney’s career in education spans more than five decades, beginning in 1971.
Many of those years have been spent serving Garrett County students in a variety of roles, including classroom teacher, teaching principal at Kitzmiller Elementary, central office administrator and, most recently, superintendent of schools.
McCartney was named interim superintendent in May 2023 following the retirement of Barbara Baker.
“It has been a privilege to work with the caring and talented people in our district whose singular focus has been our students,” McCartney said.
“I am proud of our shared legacy reflected in instructional initiatives; student and public school advocacy efforts at the local and state level; and capital improvement projects that reflect this district’s pride in its students and the importance of their educational experience.”
Over the coming months, McCartney will work closely with the Board of Education and her successor, once appointed, to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
Her retirement will take effect June 30, 2026.