Principal Barnett is entering his 20th year in public education, which includes 18 years serving with Garland ISD. He is excited to embark on his new role as Principal at Garland High School, a school community in which he is very familiar and calls “home”. Principal Barnett has previously served the Garland High School community as an Asst. Principal, Math Facilitator, Math Teacher, and Coach. His previous experiences in Garland ISD includes serving as Principal of Coyle Middle School. He also led a major school transformation at Coyle Middle School by designing, implementing, and launching Coyle Technology Center for Math & Science. Coyle Tech is Garland ISD’s first innovative school of choice operating as a “whole-school” model for magnet-style MST programming. He also served as a transformational principal for two years in Pine Tree ISD, Longview, TX.
Considering himself a life-long learner, Principal Barnett received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Dallas, Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Lamar University, and has completed his doctoral coursework at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Principal Barnett prides himself on being a distributive leader who mobilizes and empowers teachers and staff to take ownership of their roles and responsibilities to provide an exceptional educational experience for our students. However, he stays focused on the fact that “he is the number one determinant of the success of his students”. And when it comes to creating a culture and climate centered around loving our kids and school community first and foremost, he calls himself an “obsessive”.
Principal Barnett is married to his wife Laura (35 years). He has three children, Justin, Meghan, and Jared, who are all GHS grads! He has two daughter-in-laws, Charity and Marn! The pride of his life are his 5 grandchildren, Holden, Marshall, Maddox, Harper, and Charlie! He enjoy his family time, all types of music and theater, hanging out on his boat, playing golf, and family vacations at the beach. #Gig’emOwls #BelieverstoAchievers #ChooseTheOriginal
