Angela Barnes named next principal of Wilson Elementary School

Angela Alsup Barnes was one of the teachers who helped launch Wilson Elementary School, and now, 17 years later, she will serve as its leader.

Barnes has been named the next principal of the school, Director of Schools Don Odom announced.

“Every member of the interview committee of five members ranked Mrs. Barnes as the top candidate from the four finalists that included in-district and out-of-district applicants,” Odom said. “She has a strong academic vision for Wilson Elementary based upon her leadership of the school’s state ePlan development.”

She has served as the assistant principal for the past four years with Principal Jon Dinkins, who has announced his retirement.

“She has also been a member of several district curriculum committees as a member and co-writer of the fourth-grade Benchmark and Pacing Guide for mathematics and reading/language arts and as the lead representative of the RCS Assistant Principal Cohort,” Odom added.

Barnes, who previously served as a fourth-grade and kindergarten teacher at the school before entering administration, said she is excited to continue her career at the school as the new principal.

“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to be mentored by Jon Dinkins, the man that established Wilson as one of the best,” Barnes said. “I look forward to our continued success with a dedicated faculty and staff.

“Thank you to Mr. Odom for the chance to lead a great school into a bright future.”

Prior to opening Wilson Elementary, DInkins served as an assistant principal and principal at Roy Waldron Elementary School for 10 years. Previously, he taught English and coached basketball at Walter Hill Elementary.

Barnes has worked with him since the beginning of her career, and Dinkins believes she is a “tremendous choice” for the principal role.

“She’s an excellent worker and knows the school well,” Dinkins said. “She’s great with data and will continue to drive the school forward without missing a beat.”