Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year

Dear Hardin School District Families and Community,

It is my honor to welcome our students, families, and community back for the 2026–2027 school year and to introduce myself as the new Superintendent of Hardin School District 17H & 1. I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Hardin community and look forward to working together to support the success of every student we serve.

Before coming to Hardin, I spent 20 years serving students and families in the Phoenix area. During that time, I had the opportunity to serve as a classroom teacher, campus administrator, and district office administrator. Those experiences allowed me to work in many areas of public education and reinforced my belief that schools are most successful when students, families, staff, and the broader community work together toward a shared purpose.

I earned my undergraduate degree from Northern Arizona University, Go Lumberjacks! My apologies in advance to the Montana State Bobcat and University of Montana Grizzly fans. I later earned my master's and doctoral degrees in educational leadership from Arizona State University.

My family is equally excited to become part of the Hardin community. My wife will be joining the Hardin High School staff as a counselor, and our daughters will be attending Hardin schools. We are grateful for the warm welcome we have already received and look forward to becoming involved in the schools, activities, events, and traditions that make Hardin such a special community.

As Superintendent, one of my priorities is to listen and learn from the people who know our schools and community best. I look forward to building strong relationships with our students, families, staff, Tribal Nations, local organizations, businesses, and community partners. Strong schools are built through strong partnerships, and I believe our collective commitment to students will allow us to build upon the many strengths already present throughout Hardin School District.

I am committed to ensuring that every student has access to meaningful opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. Our students deserve schools where they feel safe, welcomed, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential. Whether a student's future includes college, a career, military service, skilled trades, or another pathway, our responsibility is to help prepare them with the knowledge, skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to be successful.

I also recognize the important role families and community members play in the education of our students. Your involvement, input, encouragement, and partnership are essential to the success of our schools. I look forward to being visible throughout the district and community, attending school and community events, listening to your perspectives, and working together to address both the opportunities and challenges ahead.

As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, I am excited about what we can accomplish together. By honoring the strengths, culture, and traditions of our community while continuing to create new opportunities for students, we can ensure that Hardin School District remains a place where every student can learn, grow, and succeed.

Thank you for welcoming my family and me to Hardin. I look forward to meeting many more of you throughout the year and working alongside you on behalf of our students.

Welcome back, and I wish all of our students and families a safe, positive, and successful 2026–2027 school year.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael J. Gard
Superintendent
Hardin School District 17H & 1