Harlan County Public Schools is proud to announce the selection of Bryan Howard as the district’s new Director of Pupil Personnel (DPP). Howard, a lifelong educator and product of the Harlan County school system, begins his 28th year in education by stepping into this vital districtwide role.
For the past 18 years, Howard served as principal at Rosspoint Elementary School, where he was known for his dedication to students, families, and staff. Before becoming principal, he taught elementary and middle school science for nine years and served as assistant principal. His career has been marked by a consistent focus on student success, community relationships, and creating opportunities for children to thrive.
Howard is a graduate of Lincoln Memorial University, where he earned a bachelor of science in elementary education and middle school science. He also completed graduate his master’s at Union College, and earned his Rank I certification at Eastern Kentucky University.
He is married to Kim Howard, assistant principal at Harlan County High School. Together, they have three children, all graduates of Harlan County Schools: Bryan and Brayden, both attending Lincoln Memorial University, and Brianna, attending Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College.
As Director of Pupil Personnel, Howard will oversee student enrollment, attendance, and compliance with Kentucky’s compulsory attendance laws. His responsibilities include investigating truancy, coordinating home visits, supporting schools in addressing attendance issues, and working closely with families, community partners, and the judicial system to remove barriers to education. He will also guide district initiatives to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed, including programs tied to KEES scholarship eligibility.
“I want to be out in the schools and in the communities to help eliminate barriers for students receiving an education,” Howard said. “That is one of the best ways to tackle poverty—through access to a good education. I am proud to be a product of the Harlan County School System, and my children are as well. Education is the key to creating opportunities for every child, and I want to serve as a resource for families across the district.”
Howard expressed deep gratitude for his time at Rosspoint Elementary.
“I am thankful that I have had an opportunity to work with some wonderful people at Rosspoint over the past 27 years,” he said. “Now I look forward to working with all of our schools and families throughout Harlan County.”
Superintendent Brett Johnson praised Howard’s selection, citing his leadership, experience, and commitment to students.
“Bryan Howard has been a dedicated leader in our district for many years, and his service as principal at Rosspoint Elementary has been nothing short of exceptional. His commitment to students, families, and staff makes him the perfect fit to serve as our Director of Pupil Personnel,” said Johnson. “Mr. Howard has always placed the needs of students at the center of his work. As our new Director of Pupil Personnel, I am confident he will continue to build strong relationships and ensure that every student has the support they need to succeed.”
Johnson continued, nothing “Mr. Howard brings a wealth of experience from his years as a successful principal, and that knowledge will be invaluable in his new role. We are excited to see the positive impact he will have across our entire school system.”
Howard’s leadership in this role will help ensure that every child in Harlan County Public Schools has access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed both in and beyond the classroom.