Montgomery Public Schools (MPS) is proud to welcome Dr. Barbara Patrick-Lashley as its interim Chief of Staff. With more than 30 years of experience in education, literacy reform, and leadership development, Dr. Patrick-Lashley brings a strong record of improving student outcomes across multiple districts. She began her career in MPS as an educator and counselor—experiences that helped shape her leadership journey.
Most recently, Dr. Patrick-Lashley served as Deputy Superintendent of Rome City Schools in Georgia, where she launched the “Literacy Before Life” initiative, expanded instructional coaching, and introduced the “Literacy Compass” framework. Under her leadership, the district saw significant gains, including increases in ELA proficiency and notable improvements in CCRPI progress and closing-gap indicators.
She previously served as Chief of Literacy for East Baton Rouge Parish Schools, leading the development of the district’s Literacy Blueprint—later adopted by the Louisiana Department of Education—and building a districtwide coaching model that strengthened early literacy growth.
Earlier, she made history as the first minority Director of Elementary Literacy for Metro Nashville Public Schools, where literacy performance outpaced the state for the first time. Her career also includes roles with Success for All Foundation, Project GRAD Atlanta, and Atlanta Public Schools.
Dr. Patrick-Lashley holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership, completed the Harvard Public Education Leadership Project, and is a graduate of the AASA National Superintendents Academy.
As interim Chief of Staff, she will serve as a strategic advisor to Superintendent Dr. Zickeyous M. Byrd, supporting districtwide initiatives and advancing the work of improving outcomes for all students. MPS is honored to welcome back a leader whose early career began in its schools and whose expertise will help guide the district forward.