Science Hill Principal Todd Barnett will join the Johnson City Schools’ administrative team at Central Office to start the new year. Dr. Josh Carter has been named interim principal at Science Hill High School for the remainder of the school year.
Barnett replaces Dr. Debra Bentley, who will retire in January after serving multiple roles during her over two decades with the district. Bentley started as principal at Keystone Elementary in 1992 before opening Mountain View Elementary in 1995 and then moving to Central Office to serve as Director of Instruction and Communications since 2005.
“We are so appreciative for the time that Dr. Bentley has given Johnson City Schools,” Johnson City Schools Superintendent Dr. Steve Barnett said. “She is an excellent leader and helped Johnson City Schools reach new heights in providing well-rounded educational opportunities to all students. We will miss her wisdom, but we wish her the very best in her retirement.”
Todd Barnett will serve as middle grades supervisor and will assist the district by helping oversee instruction, safety and mental health.
“I am extremely honored to have been selected to transition into my new role with Johnson City Schools,” Todd Barnett said. “While I have thoroughly enjoyed serving alongside a community of exceptional educators the past three-and-a-half years as principal at Science Hill, I now look forward to serving Johnson City Schools as a member of Dr. Barnett’s team. His vision for our school system, as well as his commitment to the community, staff, and students of Johnson City, have helped make this an exciting opportunity.”
Dr. Barnett said that Todd Barnett’s experiences will be valuable additions as Johnson City Schools continues work to transition to two 6-8 middle schools.
“Todd has done a tremendous job leading Science Hill the past three-and-a-half years,” Dr. Barnett said. “His experiences as a teacher and administrator will be a great asset to our system as we transition to two middle schools.”
“Dr. Carter has the experience and dedication that is required to lead Science Hill,” Dr. Barnett continued. “We look forward to him carrying the school to even greater heights.”
Carter has worked at Science Hill for the past 22 years, starting as an English teacher in 1999. He was named the 2009 Science Hill Teacher of the Year before leaving the classroom to become an assistant principal in 2012.
“I am excited to serve the students and staff of Science Hill High School,” Dr. Carter said. “I want to thank Dr. Barnett for giving me this incredible opportunity: it is an absolute honor and privilege.”
Dr. Carter received his Bachelors of Arts in English from Milligan College in 1999 before receiving his Master of Educational Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University in 2008 and his Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University in 2010. Most recently, Carter received a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Milligan College in 2019. Carter is married to his wife of 18 years, Jennifer, and they have two children, Maddie (8) and Jack (5).
