Dr. Andrew Barrett At a special meeting of the board of education on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, the Geneva School District 304 Board of Education unanimously selected Andrew Barrett, Ed.D. as the next superintendent of schools, pending the successful outcome of contract negotiations. Dr. Barrett is currently the district’s Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching and has been with the district since 2006.
“On behalf of the entire Board of Education, we are excited about this new direction for the district and our ongoing pursuit of Geneva 304’s Tradition of Excellence,” said Geneva School District Board of Education President Michael McCormick.
Upon successful completion of contract negotiations, Dr. Barrett’s appointment will be approved at an upcoming meeting of the Board of Education. Dr. Barrett will assume the role of superintendent on July 1, 2023.
"I have been truly honored to be part of the wonderful educational community of Geneva 304 for the past seventeen years, and I am beyond grateful to be entrusted with the important responsibilities that come along with the superintendency," said Dr. Barrett. "I am excited for the opportunity to lead such a vibrant educational community, and I look forward to our continued work together preparing our students to be self-directed, creative, and collaborative citizens."
Dr. Barrett first joined Geneva Community Unit School District 304 in 2006 as the principal of Mill Creek Elementary School. In 2011, he became the Director of Learning and Teaching and was later promoted to Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching in 2014. Before joining Geneva 304, Dr. Barrett served as a middle school administrator and an elementary classroom teacher in the West Aurora School District.
Dr. Barrett earned his doctoral degree in Educational Policy, Organization, and Leadership from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a master’s degree in Educational Administration and Leadership from Aurora University. His post-secondary education began at Monmouth College where he earned his bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Dr. Barrett lives in Batavia with his wife, Sarah, and his son, Theo.
The board of education hired search firm Ray & Associates to conduct a nationwide search. The firm engaged the community throughout the process using surveys, stakeholder forums, and candidate forums to collect input from them. A pool of 38 applicants was narrowed down to two candidates who participated in a public forum and final interviews with the Geneva School District Board of Education.