Photo L-R: Incoming board member Stefanie Johnson, Member Troy Plutschak, Member Chrissy Bartz, Superintendent Derek Simmons, President Barton, Member Michele Wayman, Vice President Mark Jones, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Board Rachel Barry.
At their November work session, the board of education members, superintendent and staff bid a fond farewell to President Rick Barton. This was Mr. Barton’s last full meeting before he welcomed newly elected member Stefanie Johnson at the December meeting.
During the work session, Dr. Simmons thanked Mr. Barton for his work over the past four years with the board and with him in his role as superintendent. He reflected that from the beginning, Mr. Barton has been supportive, helpful and honest. “But more than anything else,” Dr. Simmons said, “to me, you’ve been a mentor.” He added that Mr. Barton exudes leadership and has offered different perspectives that a superintendent, particularly a new one, needed to hear.
“We would not be where we are without your leadership,” Dr. Simmons shared, and added that Mr. Barton laid the foundation for what it means to be president of the board, leaving a high bar for those that follow. “Your impact on the board has been profound.”
Mr. Barton said it has been an interesting four years, and noted that when he was sworn in in 2020, he and everyone else was wearing a mask. “It was challenging but I’m just proud to have worked with this tremendous group.” He added that we have a wonderful school system, and it’s been his joy and pleasure to be on the board.
Mr. Barton was presented with his board president’s gavel and an engraved plaque.