Acting Superintendent Chris Barnes prepares for new school year

WILMINGTON, NC– Earlier this month The New Hanover County School Board terminated former superintendent Foust’s contract.

As “acting” superintendent Chris Barnes will be the new leader as the school year begins.

A recent survey of school employees indicated that many employees felt unsupported with the district’s previous leadership being out of touch with classroom realities.

So we asked him what changes the district will experience with him at the helm?

For now Barnes says his focus is not on changing anything bur rather listening.

“Its on making sure that people feel heard its about making sure that are schools are staffed and that our kids are well appointed to come into this next school year. I think our goal right now is to make sure we are making well thought out decisions about kids and about students and also making sure that our staff feels like our goal is to listen to their feedback,” said Barnes.

Acting superintendent Barnes discussed timeline regarding the board’s hiring process.

He noted that the board would like to make a carefully thought out decision when it comes to choosing their interim superintendent.

”I know that there has been talk to try and have an interim in place before the students start at the end of august when the traditional schools come back into session right now I think our attention or at least my attention is focused on supporting principals in schools,” Barnes said.

Acting superintendent Barnes is looking forward to staff and students making their return this school year.

”This is a good school system, full of great teachers and great staff who want to work with kids. We look forward to working with you through the next school year,” Barnes said.