October 28, 2020

The Tuscaloosa County School System extends our gratitude to Mr. James Barnett for nearly 30 years of service to our schools, as a member of the Tuscaloosa County Board of Education.

At the Monday, October 26 Board of Education meeting, Mr. Barnett was honored for his 29 years of service on the Board. Monday’s meeting marked Mr. Barnett’s final Board meeting as the District Two representative. After decades of service to the Board, Mr. Barnett decided he would not seek another term in office this year.

Mr. Barnett was first elected to the Tuscaloosa County Board of Education in 1978. He served on the Board until 1988, and then served on the Northport City Council from 1992-2000. In 2002, Mr. Barnett was elected to the Board of Education again, and has served as the District Two Board Member since that time.

In 2002, Mr. Barnett was named Northport Citizen of the Year. In 2005, he was named a member of the All-State School Board. Mr. Barnett has also served on the West Alabama Planning and Development Council and Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority.

Prior to his final Board meeting, Mr. Barnett was presented with a plaque, recognizing his service, by Board of Education President Mr. Charles Orr.

During the Board meeting, Mr. Barnett was presented with a proclamation from the Tuscaloosa County Commission, in honor of his service. Commissioners Mr. Mark Nelson and Mr. Stan Acker made the presentation before the Board.

“We hereby extend to Mr. James Barnett sincere gratitude and appreciation for his dedicated and productive service to the citizens of Tuscaloosa County,” the County Commission stated in its proclamation.

“For the citizens of Tuscaloosa County, his presence, contributions to our community, hard work and positive influence will continue to be felt for many years to come.”

Mr. Barnett is a father and grandfather, and has been married to his wife Bebe for 69 years. 

Mr. Jamie Lake will be sworn in as the District Two Board of Education Member next month.