[Superintendent's Update] Superintendent's Update

[Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update]

Dear Needham Families:

I am excited to announce that Joseph P. Barnes, Ed.D. has accepted my offer
to become the interim principal at Needham High School effective July 1,
2015.

Dr. Barnes, who retired from the Needham Public Schools as Pollard’s
principal in 2006, has most recently served as an interim high school and
middle school principal and leader in several districts, including
Worcester, Leicester, and Newton.  He has remained actively engaged in
educational administration, supervision, and policy as an adjunct faculty
member at Curry College as well as a member of the Needham School Committee.

Dr. Barnes began his career in Watertown and Hopkinton where he taught high
school English for several years, supervised teachers, and coached tennis
and football.  He became an assistant principal at Hopkinton High School
and later a principal at the Hopkinton Middle School before being appointed
in his hometown as principal of Pollard where he served for seven
distinguished years.  There he turned around a struggling middle school
where he introduced social and emotional learning programs, introduced a
Teacher Assistant Team model that focused on the needs of struggling
students, and developed a viable student recognition program.  Dr. Barnes
also worked with Town boards to oversee the installation of additional
modular classrooms to meet growing enrollment at Pollard.

Dr. Barnes has the capacity, intellect, and perspective to lead Needham
High School at this time. Over the years he has developed excellent
relationships with students, parents, and staff.  His thoughtful and caring
relationships are built on trust, integrity, and a unique focus on the
needs of students. Dr. Barnes is clearly focused on instruction and
regularly asks questions about how decisions will impact the classroom and
help a student grow and succeed. He has the unique ability to listen, ask
probing, sometimes uncomfortable, questions, and helps set a direction that
enables a student, teacher, or administrator to do an excellent job. He
does not pretend to have all the answers but collaborates with others to
ensure he has the information he needs to make good decisions.  Dr. Barnes
relishes hard work, and he is smart, intuitive, and very much focused on
empowering others—students and adults alike—to grow and achieve.

Dr. Barnes possesses tremendous interpersonal skills and his communication
skills are excellent. He is a reflective learner and a superb listener.  He
has the mindset, experience, and energy to help guide learning and support
the school’s efforts toward continued growth and excellence.  Dr. Joe
Barnes is again ready to serve his community in the coming school year,
this time as the leader at an amazing high school with talented students
and staff.  Dr. Barnes will step down from his role on the Needham School
Committee where he has served with distinction, dedication, and honor for
several years.



Dr. Barnes is excited to begin work, and I know within the next few days
and over the summer he will reach out to staff, students, and families as
we make plans for a new school year.  Please join me in welcoming Dr. Joe
Barnes as the interim principal at Needham High School beginning on July 1
st!


Respectfully,


Dan Gutekanst

Superintendent of schools
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