Seasoned Leaders Bring Decades of Experience to New Roles
Two veteran educators, Dr. Glenn Barnes and Dr. Richard Cardin—graduates of JG Consulting’s Leadership Academy and Executives Academy, respectively—have been named lone finalists for superintendent positions at Cleveland ISD and Comstock ISD. These appointments reflect their proven track records in educational leadership, bolstered by specialized professional development.
Dr. Glenn Barnes: A Visionary Leader for Cleveland ISD
Dr. Barnes, a Leadership Academy Cohort VI alumnus, brings over two decades of experience to his role as Cleveland ISD’s lone finalist. His career spans classroom teaching, campus leadership, and district administration, including transformative roles at Cleveland ISD, Splendora ISD (where he led a nationally recognized cultural initiative), and Aransas Pass ISD (where he implemented strategic reforms). His expertise in curriculum innovation, financial stabilization, and campus culture positions him to lead Cleveland ISD into its next chapter.
Dr. Richard Cardin: A Collaborative Leader for Comstock ISD
Dr. Cardin, an Executives Academy Cohort I graduate, has been selected as Comstock ISD’s lone finalist after 27 years in education. His career includes leadership in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and his current role as K-12 principal at Nordheim ISD. Known for his emphasis on trust and collaboration, Dr. Cardin aims to expand CTE opportunities at Comstock ISD, ensuring students are prepared for evolving workforce demands.
JG Consulting’s Role in Leadership Development
While Dr. Barnes and Dr. Cardin’s achievements stem primarily from their extensive experience, JG Consulting’s academies provided targeted support:
- Leadership Academy: Prepares cabinet-level leaders for superintendent roles through mentorship, peer networking, and strategic skill development.
- Executives Academy: Equips aspiring administrators with tools for cabinet-level leadership, emphasizing operational excellence and stakeholder engagement.
A Testament to Experience and Preparation
Both leaders exemplify how decades of hands-on leadership, combined with specialized professional development, can prepare educators for the complexities of district leadership. Their appointments underscore the value of investing in both experiential growth and structured training to cultivate tomorrow’s educational leaders.
As they await confirmation after the mandatory 21-day waiting period, their journeys serve as inspiration for educators aspiring to lead with vision, resilience, and a commitment to student success.

James Guerra
President/CEO
James has served education systems in various roles since 2004. He recognized early in his career that human capital is the driving force for sustaining and improving all school systems. James believes that teachers and executive-level leaders are equally responsible for providing every student with an opportunity for post-graduation success. Since founding the company in 2014, James had one goal in mind: to support any school system in the country with a clear focus of retaining the best-in-class educators while supporting a select group of educational partners that offer a unique blend of products and services to ensure that every learner has the necessary tools to achieve academic success.
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