Dr. Sharonica Hardin-Bartley

Dr. Sharonica Hardin-Bartley joined McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C. in 2022.

An outspoken advocate for equity, trauma-informed practices and student voice in education, Dr. Hardin-Bartley has served as superintendent of The School District of University City since July 2016. She was previously the assistant superintendent for human resources and leadership development for the Ritenour School District.

Dr. Hardin-Bartley is a native of St. Louis and grew up in north city. She is a graduate of Lafayette High School and has an undergraduate degree in elementary education and special education from Harris-Stowe State University. She earned an M.A. in Education Administration from Saint Louis University and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Dr. Hardin-Bartley, her husband (a University City High School graduate) and children are residents of University City.

Prior to Ritenour, Dr. Hardin-Bartley had a 15-year career in St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) where she served as chief human resources officer from 2007 to 2012. Previously, as a Principal on Special Assignment, she helped SLPS strengthen its partnership with the St. Louis Science Center and improve the District’s focus on science and math instruction. She was the founding principal of Adams Elementary School, one of SLPS’ newly reopened schools.

Dr. Hardin-Bartley is active within the community. She is the board chair for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri, and Alive and Well Communities, as well as board vice president for University City Children’s Center. She further serves on boards for The Magic House and the United Way of Greater St. Louis. She was part of the Child Well-Being and Education Equity Committee of the Ferguson Commission and serves on advisory boards for Harris-Stowe State University, Webster University and University of Missouri-St. Louis. She is also a member of the Early Childhood Design Leadership Council for the St. Louis region. Most recently, Dr. Hardin- Bartley was chosen as one of 15 leaders nationwide to participate in the prestigious Children and Family Fellowship program with The Annie E. Casey Foundation.

Dr. Hardin-Bartley is a regional and national speaker on integrating health and well-being, student equity, restorative practices, and student voice in the school community. She was a principal writer on state guidelines for trauma-informed schools through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Dr. Hardin-Bartley received the Distinguished Alumni award from two of her alma maters, Harris-Stowe State University, and the University of Missouri-St. Louis. In March 2019, Dr. Hardin-Bartley received the New Superintendent of the Year for the St. Louis District award by the Missouri Association of School Administrators.