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Retirement Reflections with Superintendent Barrett

As one of the longest standing superintendents in GJPS history, Steve Barrett is not known for taking things slow. During his tenure, he saw the district through exciting growth as well as unprecedented challenges – and he did so with a keen eye on collaboration and always seeking to do right by the students.

“It’s been a hard few years, even if you don’t figure in the pandemic,” said Barrett. “I wanted to be sure to guide the district through these tough times before making any big life decisions.”

Once he reached a milestone of 34 years in education, Barrett realized he qualified for retirement. While he is unsure of his future plans, his first move is to visit his daughter in Germany.

“We haven’t seen her in two years because of COVID-19,” he said. “After graduation, she moved to Europe. My wife and I are looking forward to going to visit her.”

When Barrett started his role in 2016, the district needed a clear path forward to address community growth and aging buildings. Barrett spearheaded the effort to finalize the development of the Master Facilities Plan, which outlined a phased approach for enhancing and modernizing the learning environment, positioning GJPS for the future. Under Steve’s leadership, GJPS voters approved two levies to support the Master Facilities Plan. The levies included funding for two new schools (Lincoln Elementary and Gahanna Lincoln High School), as well as numerous upgrades to school buildings across the district.

“I enjoyed working with our school community to problem-solve solutions,” said Barrett. “We started by hosting about 50 coffee meetings in people’s living rooms. Parents were clear that they wanted to address the overcrowded and outdated high school more quickly than originally planned.”

According to Barrett, the highlight of his career was creating meaningful connections with families to prepare the district for the future.

“In the community coffees, we engaged in deliberative conversations around what was best for the kids,” Barrett remarked. “We embraced the need for change. It was important to parents, kids, teachers and staff that our schools keep pace with neighboring districts. There was a thirst for change, and we wanted to be better. It was exciting to have conversations imagining what the district could be.”

Catherine Hope-Cunningham, a member of the Master Facilities Plan Committee, has known Barrett since the start of his tenure and has an eighth grader at Middle School West.

“I was so sad to hear he was leaving,” she said. “Steve has been highly committed to seeing through long-term projects for the district. It’s a shame he won’t be here for the ribbon cutting of the new high school. He put so much time and effort into it.”

Hope-Cunningham said she often observed Barrett working 15+ hour workdays and attending meetings on nights and weekends.

“I hope he takes the time he deserves to spend with his family,” Hope-Cunningham added. “That precious time was often lost due to his role and dedication to GJPS. I hope he can make up for all the time he missed while attending district meetings.”

Barrett is working with the board of education and new superintendent Dr. Tracey Deagle, to ensure a smooth transition. His last day is July 31.