Mike Harner named new executive director at Lionheart Classical Academy

Mike Harner

Mike Harner —COURTESY PHOTO

Published: 10-29-2024 11:01 AM

Mike Harner has been named the new executive director of Lionheart Classical Academy charter school in Peterborough, effective Nov. 1,

According to a release from the school’s board of trustees, Harner will serve part-time through the remainder of the academic year before starting full time next July 1.

Harner has spend nearly 20 years as chief staff officer and assistant to the president at Hillsdale College in Michigan, which licenses Lionheart’s program guide. Referring to the program guide on its website, Lionheart refers to a “classical curriculum is content-rich, balanced, and strong, with emphasis upon the four core disciplines of math, science, literature and history and with attention to music, art, physical education and foreign languages.”

In the role, he coordinated strategic planning, project development and staff development for the college. He also served as a project lead in the creation of the Barney Charter School Initiative, Hillsdale’s K-12 outreach effort of which Lionheart Classical Academy is a curriculum school.

“From the beginning of our search, our board was looking for a leader who embraced LCA’s family-centered culture, had experience leading classical charter educational initiatives and could relate easily and effectively to all within the Lionheart community,” the statement from the board reads. “We were excited when Mike showed interest in the position and came away that much more convinced that he was the ideal candidate after he and his wife visited the school. He’s incredibly well-positioned to help build Lionheart Classical Academy into a thriving K-12 classical public charter school.”

Harner graduated from Hillsdale in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in English literature and a history minor. He received a master’s degree in political science from Auburn University Montgomery.He served in the Navy from 1982 to 2002 as an aviator flying helicopters and multi-engine transports, reaching the rank of commander. He and his wife Carin, also a 1982 Hillsdale College graduate, are parents of three adult sons and grandparents of five.

“I am incredibly excited to get to work at Lionheart. The school has a dedicated board and group of supporters, a talented faculty and administrative staff, and a keen desire to become a renowned classical charter school in the New England area and nationally. I look forward to partnering with all involved to achieve this goal,” stated Harner. 

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