Springdale Public Schools has selected Jennifer Louise Barbaree to be an assistant superintendent.
"I am truly excited for this new opportunity and grateful for the confidence placed in me. I look forward to supporting the outstanding work happening at Springdale and working alongside a team of innovative and talented leaders," Barbaree said. "I am eager to share my knowledge and experience while also learning from others as we continue to grow and make a positive impact together."
Barbaree comes to Springdale Schools after serving for three years as the Pine Bluff School District superintendent and has worked as an educator for 22 years.
“Prior to becoming the superintendent of Pine Bluff School District, I served in the role of assistant state superintendent for the Office of Coordinated Support and Services with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education,” she said. “Before transitioning to the department, I was the superintendent of Armorel School District, assistant superintendent of Trumann School District, elementary principal at Lonoke, Edgewood Elementary in Watson Chapel and England Elementary.”
As an elementary teacher, Barbaree said she served as a K-4 special education teacher, an Arkansas Better Chance director, as well as a third-grade and fifth-grade teacher.
Springdale Superintendent Dr. Jared Cleveland said Barbaree stood out as a candidate for assistant superintendent, not just for her remarkable resume, but for her genuine heart for students and her collaborative spirit.
“What truly drew us to her is the sheer breadth of her experience right here in Arkansas,” he said. “She has spent the last two decades doing the real work of education at every single level, from inspiring kids in the classroom to leading complex school districts.
Barbaree holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, specialist and master’s degrees in educational leadership from Harding University in Searcy and a Bachelor of Science Education degree in early childhood education from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.
“Every step of her career has been dedicated to innovating for Arkansas students,” Cleveland said. “She brings a rare combination of high level state insight and local district expertise that will make her an incredible asset to our leadership team, our teachers and our community.”
Barbaree said she’ll bring a strong ability to build relationships, support principals and district leaders, as well as lead initiatives that strengthen teaching and learning across the system to the Springdale School District.
She’s been married to her high school sweetheart for 25 years.
“We have three amazing children, Brett, Brynnlee and Baxley,” she said. “I love being active, watching sports, and reading.”