Ridgeland, Miss.–– Newton County School District Board Member Glenda Barrett has received the Mississippi School Boards Association’s (MSBA) coveted Board Member of the Year Award for 2019, in recognition of her distinguished leadership as a school board member.
Barrett, a 31-year board member of the Newton County School District, was selected by the MSBA Board Member of the Year Selection Committee, comprised of current and/or past school board presidents from each of Mississippi’s Congressional Districts. This award honors a current school board member who has exhibited distinguished leadership during his or her tenure as demonstrated by effective efforts in advocating for children, increasing student achievement, understanding school board governance, and involving the community in the children’s education. During her tenure on the Newton County School Board, the district has seen vast improvements; including attaining an “A” rating, the highest academic rating bestowed upon school districts by the Mississippi Department of Education.
Barrett also served on the Board of Directors of the Mississippi School Boards Association for twenty years. She served as Secretary, Vice President, and was elected President in 2001. During those years, she was an integral part of the operations of the Mississippi School Boards Association, working closely with Executive Director Mike Waldrop and other staff members, frequently participating as a moderator or panelist at MSBA meetings, and many times serving as a member of the MSBA insurance, nominating, and legislative committees.
As the recipient of the Board Member of the Year Award, Barrett was presented with a crystal trophy and her name is engraved on a perpetual plaque displayed at the MSBA Administrative Office and Training Complex. Additionally, she was given a gift package, compliments of the Hilton Hotel.
