New Principal At West Side Elementary Welcomed By Cold Spring Harbor

COLD SPRING HARBOR, NY — Dr. John Barnes was appointed as the new principal of West Side Elementary School effective Aug. 22, the Cold Spring Harbor Central School District announced.

Barnes most recently served as a school and central office administrator in Westchester County. He has also worked as an elementary music teacher, classroom teacher and staff developer/instructional coach.

He is passionate about working to eradicate bullying in schools and was named Principal of the Year during the 2018-2019 school year by the national organization STOMP Out Bullying. He was the first school principal to receive this distinct honor.

This past school year, Barnes was also a member of the steering committee and selected as a New York State Ambassador for SEL4NY (Social Emotional Learning Alliance for New York).

Barnes encourages his students to embrace the mindset to be in it to win it and to work on being the best versions of themselves regardless of the adversity and obstacles that come up along the way. He believes classroom learning should be student-centered, differentiated and facilitated to ensure that young scholars have the ability to maximize their full potential.

Barnes has permanent New York state certification as a K-6 teacher and school
administrator/supervisor. He holds an active professional certificate in school district leadership.

He is a graduate of the Hartt School of Music with an undergraduate Bachelor of Music degree. He has earned two master’s degrees from Mercy College and an advanced certificate in educational leadership from Adelphi University. He successfully completed a certificate program with The Center for Educational Leadership in human resources management in 2020.

Most recently, he finished his doctoral studies in education administration and supervision from St. John’s University. Barnes is a 2008 Columbia University Teachers College Cahn Fellow and has served as a mentor and guest lecturer for the Summer Principals Academy at Columbia University and The New York City Leadership Academy.

Barnes considers it an honor to join the West Side Elementary School family and the community.

“I am grateful to the board of education, Superintendent of Schools Jill Gierasch and the selection team for choosing me,” Barnes said via news release. “I look forward to getting to know the West Side students and families and to collaborate with the dedicated faulty members to build on the West Side and school district traditions and legacy of achievement and success.”

The district will be planning various opportunities for families and community residents to meet and speak with Barnes.