Newton Citizen

Photo by Ginny Sampson

ATLANTA -- Dr. John D. Barge was sworn into office this week as Georgia's 21st State School Superintendent. A life-long public school educator, Barge brings years of experience and common sense approaches to improving Georgia's schools.

"It's an honor and privilege to serve as State School Superintendent,"

said Barge. "I am excited about this new challenge and will hit the ground running to build a strong foundation to positively benefit our students, teachers and communities. As a parent with a child in public schools and as one who has served at virtually every level in public education, I am keenly aware of the challenges we face as a state and the challenges our students, teachers and local administrators are facing. I am committed to ensuring that the Georgia Department of Education is a service agency and is communicating directly with educators in our local districts."

Prior to his becoming State School Superintendent, Barge served as the Director of Secondary Curriculum & Instruction with the Bartow County School System.

Barge was born and raised in Cobb County, graduated from Campbell High School in 1984 and attended Berry College in Rome on academic and journalism scholarships until he earned his bachelor's degree in 1988.

Barge has earned three advanced degrees, a master's degree and a specialist's degree from the State University of West Georgia and his doctorate degree in educational leadership from the University of Georgia.

In his 20 years in education, Barge has served as a high school English teacher, middle school Spanish teacher, assistant principal and principal. He also served as the State Director of Career, Technical and Agriculture Education for the Georgia Department of Education.

He has been recognized as a STAR teacher in 1996, as Georgia's Assistant Principal of the Year in 2001 and received the Berry College Alumni Association's Distinguished Achievement Award in 2005.

He and his wife Loraine, long-time Floyd County residents, have been married for 19 years. They have a 14 year-old daughter who attends public school in Floyd County.