The Cleveland Independent School District Board of Trustees is pleased to announce Dr. Glenn Barnes as the lone finalist for the position of Superintendent of Schools. Following an extensive search, the Board has selected Dr. Barnes for his visionary leadership, deep commitment to student success, and proven track record of transforming educational communities.
Dr. Barnes is a highly respected educator with over two decades of experience in public education. His career began in 1997 as a high school social studies teacher, and he has since held key leadership roles at both the campus and district levels. He previously served in Cleveland ISD as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal, where he led Cleveland Middle School to earn all seven Texas Education Agency distinctions—a prestigious achievement awarded to only 5% of schools statewide.
Most recently, Dr. Barnes served as Superintendent of Aransas Pass ISD, where he successfully led districtwide initiatives, including strategic planning, leadership development, and financial stabilization. Prior to that, he was the Assistant Superintendent of Leadership and Culture at Splendora ISD, spearheading programs that improved districtwide culture and earned multiple Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase School Awards.
Cleveland ISD Board President Amanda Brooks expressed, “The Board is very happy to welcome Dr. Glenn Barnes back to Cleveland ISD. We look forward to working with him as he leads and supports our students, staff, and community.”
Dr. Barnes holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Sam Houston State University and a Bachelor’s and Master’s in History from Southern University. He has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year, TASSP Region 4 Principal of the Year, and the Sam Houston State University Distinguished Educator Award.
Reflecting on his selection as the lone finalist, Dr. Barnes shared his enthusiasm for returning to Cleveland ISD.
“Cleveland ISD is a special place, and I am honored to have the opportunity to serve this district once again. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated staff, students, families, and community to build on our strengths and create new opportunities for success,” Barnes said.
Per Texas law, the Board must observe a 21-day waiting period before officially naming Dr. Barnes as Superintendent. The final vote is expected to take place at a Board meeting later this month.
For more information about Cleveland ISD and future updates regarding the Superintendent transition, please visit https://www.clevelandisd.org/ or contact info@clevelandisd.org
I was thrilled to hear this news! I was fortunate to have been able to work under his leadership at Cleveland Junior High as a teacher. He was one of the best principals to work for and was great with the students! Cleveland will be so lucky to have such a great person as their superintendent! I am so happy for him and his family!