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photo by Marcus Frazier
Wayne Barnett’s last day at work with the Natchez-Adams School District was Monday.
Barnett retires after 38 years with the district
Published Tuesday, July 1, 2008
NATCHEZ — On Monday the floor of Wayne Barnett’s office was covered in moving boxes.
He was emptying his bookshelves in preparation for his retirement — it starts today.
For the past 38 years Barnett has been serving the community in various administrative roles within the Natchez-Adams County School District.
Barnett first began teaching in the district at Natchez-Adams High School in 1970.
He was there when the district first began to employ its new integration policy and worked at both North and South Natchez High School.
Shortly after that Barnett briefly moved from education to retail management then ultimately back to education.
In his 38-year career, Barnett has spent 35 years in administration.
And Natchez-Adams School District Superintendent Anthony Morris said that makes him difficult to replace.
“It’s not going to be easy,” he said.
Morris said people with Barnett’s experience level are simply not easily found. For the past five years Barnett has served the district as director of operations.
In his role he monitored the food service staff, maintenance crews, janitorial staff and acted as a liaison between the district and the transportation company that handled student bussing. And that’s only part of the list.
“I get all the complaints,” he said jokingly.
And while Barnett was a key component in the district’s day-to-day operations as director, he said his most rewarding and important work was as principal of Natchez Middle School.
From 1992-1996 Barnett supervised the crop of students.
“If you can handle that age group, you can handle just about anything,” he said.
Barnett said students in the 12-15 year old age bracket are challenging because they are in a near constant state of change.
“They change every day,” he said. “One day they act like a young man or woman then they act like kids the next day.”
Barnett said his experience with the kids was lengthened because he went on to serve as principal of Natchez High School and had the opportunity to observe several students grow and mature from middle school to high school graduation.
But those days for Barnett are now over. Barnett said he reached a point in his state-managed retirement program, PERS, where it became more financially beneficial to retire that continue working.
Morris said it might be difficult to find a replacement for Barnett before the beginning of the school year.
“But he deserves it,” he said. “I respect his decision and we appreciate everything he has done for this district.”
And for a man in Barnett’s position he has a surprisingly humble view on his years of service.
“The district has been good to me,” he said. “I just hope I have been good for the district.”
While Barnett did not discuss any specific plans for his retirement he’ll likely be putting some miles on his motorcycle starting today.
Comments
Posted by mj (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 12:09 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by shewoman1960 (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 12:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you Mr. Barnett for your years of service to our children. Enjoy your retirement, you deserve it.
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 3:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It looks like someone must have been placed on detention in years past......
Posted by generoberts (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 6:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks for all the years of true service Wayne.
Posted by mberry (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 7:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations, Dad! May God bless you on your retirement journey.
Much love,
mb
Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I remember him when I was at North Natchez. He and O.K. Reed ran a tight ship and kept things in line with the students. I don't recall too many disturbances at North Natchez either.
Posted by peacemaker0606 (Charles Matthews, Jr.) on July 1, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe more students can get through the system now
Posted by frogprincenessntz (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Just getting through is not enough. If he made the students toe the line, that is evidence that he truly cared for them!
Enjoy your retirement.
Posted by natchez500 (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 10:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
you were so good for the schools hope you enjoy retirement
Posted by lambchop (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 12:01 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by Prayingforachange (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 12:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I had an opportunity to view Mr. Barnett while a student at North Natchez High School, Class of 1985. I don't know if what he ran can be honestly considered a "tight ship". I feel that Mr. Reed cared about the students and teachers. When Mr. Barnett looked at us, sometimes you could see disgust in his eyes. He didn't treat the students well then, and NEVER listened. He was one-sided then, and probably still is now. You deserve a good retirement, but I am thankful my children will not have the opportunity to meet such an "Educator from the days of Old."
Posted by aesa (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 12:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i graduated way back in 75...and i remember mr. barnett as a no-nonsense teacher and hallway monitor...u need u had to come correct.
there was an entire legion of guys from that era...mr. holyfield, mr. crenshaw, mr. dickey,
mr. smith, coach williams, doc woods, doc northington...and many others...it is the end of an era....where respect came first....guys like this made men of many of us. thanks mr. barnett...
there are thousands that walked more upright becuase u were there...thanks to all the guys like u that demanded respect from each of us...
Posted by oldsaw (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
From one "oldsaw" to another, good luck!
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why would it be easier to "get through the system" with Mr. Barnett leaving? Is someone urging the kids to REALLY act up now, have no respect for their teachers, and care less for their grades? Why be glad one of the few strict educators is leaving? I guess this is exactly what's wrong with the system...folks just wanting to "get through" it with no discipline. That's scary people!
Posted by nhs08 (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations Dr. Barnett, the district will be less one good man. You leave behind large shoes to fill.
Posted by triscuit (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
38 years! That he stayed more than 30, or even 25, indicates a rare and unselfish dedication. I know he will be missed.
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So long old friend. Wish only happy highways ahead for you. Shame you could not teach the other educators what respect is or how to go about getting it and giving it.
Posted by headchick (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 5:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Dr. Barnett will surely be missed in the District. He was always there, willing to help, when he was needed. He has made an impact on many students and teachers over the past 38 years. He is a truly good man who lives his faith daily. Congratulations, Dr. Barnett, on a job well done!
Posted by Hannon (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 6:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Dr. Wayne Barnett was not only a great listener, but an outstanding educator who cared, and never took no for a answer. He always said "I know you can do better" with a strong voice.
It was like having our very own gunfighter in town,(ha ha ) he was North Natchez's High Sheriff standing in the front door to check your hall pass. Or given out detention slip's.
I feel that our class will remember him the best, which is none other than "North Natchez Class of 78", we were the Good, Bad, and Ugly, and he was Mr. Clint Eastwood himself. But look at us now, we have all excelled in life because of our educators from the old days gone by.
"Remember that some of the worlds nicest joys are its most special people,
When the world seemed too busy for us, there you would be saying "hey,yeah you, lets slow down young man or lil lady."
Some of us thought he our parents phone number memorized. But look at us now,and little did we know he was helping to mold us into intelligent, upstanding, well educated, proud adults and parents of the future.
Yes a new star has been added to the Ladder of Success, and all the Graduates of North Natchez Adams High School had the best educators to ever step foot in the City of Natchez.
A educator is someone kids learn and want to respect. And Dr. Wayne Barnett,was one of the men we all respected.
Thank you and good luck~~~~~
Posted by aesa (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 8:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hannon...you said it very well....
Posted by ntz143 (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 8:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
there is an appointment to be made by the Alderman for the school board. James Coleman's appointment ( the one Matilda Stephens took) ended in March. I have heard that Mrs. Stephens has offered to step down and to let the Board of Aldermen appoint someone else since there are several new members...what better candidate than a former employee. I say Dr. Barnett needs to be appointed- he knows what's REALLY going on in the district.
Posted by sideline (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 9:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Man good luck and happy retirement. Should have been over school district. I'm class of 85 and I don't see anything wrong with the man. If we had stricter adminstrators now like then we wouldn't have all these problems now. Ride your bike man and chill.
Posted by GAlexMuh (anonymous) on July 2, 2008 at 12:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Best wishes Dr. Harold Wayne. I wish the best for you and I appreciate how you gave of yourself to NASD and the community for 38 years.
Thanks for making me feel apart of NASD when I was employed with the district as a teacher at NHS, FCTC and an assistant principal at MGT.
Hats off to you and may God Bless you.
Posted by peacemaker0606 (Charles Matthews, Jr.) on July 2, 2008 at 9:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm not going to make this a major issue. After all, I'm not being annonymous either. LOL. Mr. B. was firm, but at times, when he was an administrator at North Natchez, he was too firm. He had conflicts with teachers and students. He didn't listen to students as much. Keep in mind, I firmly believe in discipline. This is what these kids need now. But there were students who needed that extra encouragement and nurturing that Mr. Barnett was not able to provide or willing to share. The school system is not a place of military type discipline. Other principals and counselors at that time were a bit more student-oriented, in that suspension was not a first option. Although children do have to be suspended at times, other principals and counselors sought to work with the kids, and many MANY went on to stay out of trouble and do well in their future endeavors. I believe that the gentleman was an asset in some ways. His knowledge of the school system is impecable. I also believe, however, that his school ethics were a bit "over-the-top." When I came through, he really didn't talk to the students, whereas Mr. Reed was visible and seen as a good man.
In defense of Mr. Barnett, I do know that he is capable of admitting he is wrong. I can recall of an internal school issue that happened, and he admitted his fault. Thus, I will not completely berate the gentleman. I just hope his heart has eased a little.
By the way, I use my real name and I stand behind who I am and my words. My intent is not to create tension, but simply to voice my opinion. I repesent only me.
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