Jennifer Perry Middleton /Jefferson Jimplecute
Dozens of Jefferson Independent School District staff, teachers and Jefferson community members attended a reception Tuesday for outgoing Superintendent Rob Barnwell, who was honored for his 34 years in education.
After cutting the maroon and white cake, Barnwell told those in attendance that he had enjoyed his 12 years at JISD and that he was looking forward to the next chapter in his life.
“I’m going to miss a lot of folks here,” Barnwell said. “It’s been a challenging place, but it’s been my most rewarding, too. There are a lot of good folks here. I’m just looking forward to doing something different for a while.”
With almost 25 years of his career as administrator. Barnwell began in 1989 at New Boston ISD as a teacher and coach. Then, he was at McLeod ISD for one year as assistant secondary principal and five years as the middle and high school principal. He next stepped into the superintendent role in 2004 at Queen City ISD. After nine and a half years there, he began as superintendent at JISD in 2013.
For his educational background, Barnwell is a 1983 graduate of QCHS, then went to Henderson State University where he played baseball for four years and earned a bachelor of science degree in education. Following his senior year in 1987, the Pittsburgh Pirates drafted him as a pitcher. Upon entering his second year in the professional baseball ranks, he suffered an arm injury that required surgery and ended his baseball career. Barnwell then went on to complete the requirements for his BSE at HSU and then to Texas A&M University-Commerce to obtain a master’s degree in administrative education and mid-management certification. He received his superintendent’s certification from Texas A&M University-Texarkana.
His parents, Bettie and Jerry Barnwell, along with his sister, Kippie Lovecraft, attended the reception, with both parents expressing how honored they were to have him as a son.
“I’m so proud of him,” his mother said. “I couldn’t be prouder,” added his father. “He’s never given us a lick of trouble.”
Barnwell said he’s not sure what his next step will be, but that he is still looking for his future career, and that he will still be around.