FCPS  appointed Dr. Steve Lockard as the new deputy superintendent on an interim basis.

Lockard is set to take over Karen Garza’s position in December, who announced her resignation in September.

Garza’s resignation was unexpected by many, but she is moving onto a new stage in her life and will become the president and chief executive of Battle for Kids, a non-profit organization that provides devices, solutions and products to empower teachers and improve schools to advance student learning.

She commented in an interview that she saw this organization as a big opportunity and that she will not leave the district because she “was not interested in being superintendent anywhere else.”

Lockard has served as a deputy superintendent since August 2014.

Prior to coming to Fairfax County, Lockard was the deputy superintendent for Fredrick County Public Schools in Maryland.

Being a graduate of Frostburg State University, Lockard has a masters degree in school administration from Western Maryland College. He obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Maryland in educational leadership and policy studies.

He has also worked as a second and fourth grade teacher as well as taken the role of principal at an elementary school.

“Steve Lockard is a skilled, collaborative administrator who understands how our school district works,” School Board chair Sandy Evans said in a statement. “He is a champion for students and ensures that student achievement is at the forefront of everything we do.”