Vice Principal Barnes Joins Administrative Staff

This year, a welcome change arrived in the halls as Ashley Barnes stepped into her new role as vice principal. Bringing with her experience from teaching for the past ten years in both Special Ed and General Education, Barnes has proven herself well equipped to accept the responsibilities here at Nutley High School.

Prior to arriving at Nutley, Barnes was Senior Class Advisor, District Tutoring Coordinator, and Assistant Volleyball coach at Teaneck High School over the course of six years. Transitioning into her new role, Barnes emphasizes her mission of, “...ensuring safety for all the students here,” as well as staying on top of her disciplinary duties. “If there are any students found in violation of our policies, I call them down, speak to them, and issue a consequence if need be.” Her job also includes regulating attendance and having important conversations when needed to help students strive to be the best they can be.

“My dad is a vice principal in New York, and he’s always talked about how education is just a great space to work in,” Barnes noted, accrediting her father’s influence for fostering the inspiration to pursue her ultimate career choice. “As I got into leadership roles on campus at Montclair State, I realized that I enjoyed speaking with other students, working with them, whether it was helping them schedule classes or giving them tours around campus, or just giving them words of encouragement, tips and tricks on how to be a better student … it really made me realize that I could just go into education in general.” Barnes has a Masters of Education in Special Education from Montclair State University, as well as a Masters in Educational Leadership from Ramapo. “I got a Master’s in Special Education because I thought it was important to be able to service all learners, not just our students in our general education setting.”

Barnes is frank when she expresses the many unavoidable challenges of leadership, such as decision making. “We fear what other people may think, whether they agree with you or not, and sometimes you have to realize that whatever decision you’re making is the best for that student or that program or the situation that might be in front of you.” She makes clear her commitment to address some of the most critical issues facing education today, highlighting the impact of social media, AI, and peer interaction on today’s growing generations. “I find that because of Covid and social media, plus the use of technology, we miss that face to face interaction.”

Barnes further explains her concern with the growing pattern with students often struggling to communicate in an appropriate manner without it escalating into a verbal altercation or fight. “It’s an easier said than done type of challenge,” said Barnes. Aside from working to enforce our infamous cell phone policy, she gives insight on how our teachers and staff are managing the growing issue of AI within our schools. “We can collectively figure out how to navigate this world where students are using AI…to just teach them the right ways to use it and not abuse it.” She also shares some solutions still being developed to work on the peer interaction problem, suggesting “...maybe peer groups that meet or even peer mediators that help mediate situations between students.” Barnes shows interest in helping students manage healthier ways to respond to conflict instead of resorting to disrespect or conflict.

Barnes offers valuable advice to students who are thinking of pursuing leadership roles in education. “The first thing that you want to do is find a mentor,” she advises. “Really pick their brain about what this job entails. Sometimes we see it from the outside, looking in, and we don’t really understand fully…until you actually see it on a day to day level,” She makes a point out of the importance of observing and shadowing your mentor in order to get a good grasp of what the work means, which is useful as it can really apply to any job. “Don’t be afraid to go out and explore other districts; not every district runs or leads the same way.” 

The addition of Ashley Barnes as vice principal has been well-received by students. “I’ve seen her walking around at lunch and she seems friendly and open,” said Junior Kehara Leon. “We don’t have many people of color on staff so it’s nice to have some diversity.” Geared up with her decade of experience working in education, students look forward to seeing the positive impact she will bring to the school community.