Dr. Jason Barnett (R) of Rainsville, an administrator at Collinsville High School and adjunct professor of Instructional Leadership at Jacksonville State University, announced today, Monday, July 13, 2015, that he will seek the position of DeKalb County School Superintendent beginning with the Republican Primary on March 1, 2016.

“I’m running for superintendent because I believe I can support DeKalb County Schools in becoming a model school system unlike any other schools in this area. This can be accomplished through bringing instructional leadership to our schools; engaging in real dialogue with the schools, communities, parents and students whom DeKalb County Schools serves; presenting, communicating and maintaining a clear vision for our schools; and by bringing innovation of technology and resources to DeKalb County Schools that our students and communities greatly need and desire in order to be competitive in both a local and global marketplace.”

— Barnett

Barnett adds that he has worked first-hand with administrators, teachers and students in all of DeKalb County Schools and understands the commitment and work these people place into the lives of our students on a daily basis.

“I know that DeKalb County Schools can take our proper position as an exemplary school system under someone with the zeal, excitement and vision that I will bring to the position. We must communicate a vision of what our schools can be for our kids and grandkids, then harness the collective knowledge, abilities, energy, passion and commitment demonstrated by our faculty and staff to truly flourish.”

Barnett, 36, was raised in DeKalb County, and received his Doctorate of Education in Instructional Leadership at The University of Alabama. He received his Bachelors of Education, Masters of Education, and Educational Specialist Degrees from Jacksonville State University. He has been awarded the Jacksonville State University Educational Leadership Alumnus of the Year, Collinsville School Teacher of the Year, Times-Journal 40 Under 40 Recipient for young leaders recognized for professional excellence and community service, and was chosen to give the inaugural “First Lecture” awarded by The University of Alabama Graduate School for his dissertation research and publication.

“We are committed to DeKalb County Schools. My wife, Leah, and my mother, Karen, are both teachers in the DeKalb County School System. My oldest child, Leighton, will start kindergarten this fall, and my son Porter will soon follow behind. They will be products of this school system, and I believe that it is past time that we take ownership in building a world- class education system for our children in which we can all be proud.”

For more information about Dr Barnett and his campaign for DeKalb County Schools, please contact him at jason@drjasonbarnett.com, his website at drjasonbarnett.com or by phone at 256-717-3558.