Dr. Debra Harden was selected as the interim Superintendent for Oconee County Schools by the Board of Education on Monday.

Dr. Harden, who was the Superintendent from 1993-99 and is a member of the OCS Hall of Fame, will begin her interim tenure on July 1. Dr. Harden will serve through Dec. 31, 2025, or until a full-time Superintendent has been selected.

“It is an honor to be asked to serve Oconee County again through our exceptional school district,” said Dr. Harden, the Georgia School Superintendent of the Year in 1999. “I am looking forward to working alongside the Board, the leadership team, our dedicated faculty and staff, and the entire community. I am excited to move forward with the current goals. The focus is always on how best to advance student success, and I am eager to contribute to that mission.”

Dr. Jason Branch, the current Superintendent, announced in April his decision to retire effective June 30. The Board voted last week to partner with Georgia Leadership Associates (GLA) to facilitate the search for the next Superintendent.

“The Board of Education is thrilled to welcome Dr. Harden back to serve as the interim Superintendent,” Chair Michael Ransom said. “Her previous experience leading our district and her deep understanding of our community means she will provide a steady hand during this important transition. The Board has full confidence that she will ensure the continuity of our goals and the continued success of Oconee County Schools.”

Since 2016, Dr. Harden has been a consultant to school leaders in leadership coaching, followership, having difficult conversations, and effective communication. As the Director of Professional Development for the Georgia School Superintendents Association from 2000-16, Dr. Harden counseled sitting and aspiring Superintendents.

Under Dr. Harden’s watch as OCS Superintendent, she initiated, with Board support, a strategic plan that featured building additional schools, including what became Malcom Bridge Elementary in 1996 and Malcom Bridge Middle in 1997. Her association with OCS dates back to 1978 as she spent five years as the Director of Special Education. Dr. Harden was inducted into the OCS Hall of Fame in 2009. 

Dr. Harden additionally held teaching and leadership positions in Clarke, Barrow, Morgan, and Lowndes counties.