Dr. Jason Barnett is stepping down as Superintendent of Guntersville City Schools to become the Executive Director of The School Superintendents of Alabama, starting January 1, 2026. This transition marks a significant change for both Dr. Barnett and the community.
Dr. Barnett highlighted the accomplishments achieved during his four-and-a-half-year tenure and expressed excitement about the new role and its potential to impact education policy statewide in this statement released on social media:
“Things like this are always bittersweet. Over the past four-and-a-half years together we have made significant accomplishments and achievements. We have added a tremendous amount of student services that are having a positive impact on our students lives, increased both career and academic opportunities and achievement–we have also grown many programs and that our students are now taking full advantage of—and, of course, together we built an amazing new high school. That being said, I am also very excited about the opportunity with which I have been presented and the ability it will afford me to impact school superintendents, their school systems, and their leadership development and to influence public education policy across our state.
“It truly has been an amazing honor to serve as the Superintendent of Guntersville City Schools. I will carry the friendships, relationships, memories, and lessons with me throughout life. I am compelled to believe that the brightest days are still ahead for our great system. I plan to finish out these next few months on a high note, as there is more to accomplish in our time together.”
Board President Whitney Mastin praised Dr. Barnett’s contributions, acknowledging his leadership and professional skills.
“The work Dr. Barnett has done for the students of Guntersville in his time here is beyond commendable. While I wish we could keep him here with us longer to continue the excellent work being done, being recruited for a job such as Executive Director of The School Superintendents of Alabama speaks directly to Dr. Barnett’s leadership, work ethic and professional skill,” said Mastin. “We wish him and his family nothing but the best in their next endeavor and are grateful for his time with Guntersville City Schools. The Board will meet in the coming weeks to formulate a plan for a Superintendent search and we will communicate that process with the public as it develops. Until then, please join us in congratulating Dr. Barnett on this distinguished offer and in thanking him for his service to our students, faculty, staff and our community as a whole.”
The Board plans to initiate a search for a new Superintendent and will update the public as the process unfolds. They encourage the community to congratulate Dr. Barnett and thank him for his service.
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