The Utah Association the School Resource Officers has named David Barrett, Assistant Principal at Union Middle School, the 2009-2010 School Administrator of The Year. Barrett was given the award at the Utah Council for Crime Prevention’s 12th annual Power of Prevention Conference.
“I am grateful for the many caring adults who intervened and made a difference in my life,” says Barrett, who has served at Union Middle School for six years. “I think it’s important for students to have many sequential interactions with teachers and administrators who believe accountability mingled with an equal measure of compassion is the key to helping students grow and learn. This helps create a positive school culture where students can thrive. I am just happy to be part of the process.”
Union Principal Mary Anderson lauds Barrett for his relentless students advocacy. Anderson says Barrett is perpetually concerned about the welfare of his students and maintaining an environment that is conducive to learning.
“In order for this to happen, Union Middle School must be a safe place for students to come and learn,” Anderson stated in a letter she wrote recommending Barrett for the award.
“As Mr. Barrett works with UMS students, he sees their potential. He truly wants them to take the positive path that leads to a remarkable future. His concerns is genuine,” she said. “When he talks to students, often about poor choices they have made, he points out what good people they truly are and how they have the ability to overcome this hardship and any others they may face. He relates to students, he is there advocate, and he truly cares.”
Sandy Police Officer Jason Petty, who nominated Barrett for the award, says Barrett is the “type of school administrator they make inspirational movies about.”
“I am talking about the kind of movie where a rough school with a diverse student body is put in the care of a principal who whips things into shape and inspires kids to be the best they can be” said Petty, Union’s resource officer. “Mr. Barrett has the innate ability to hold kids accountable for their actions while at the same time showing great compassion. In a day and age where students are becoming more and more disrespectful and delinquent, Mr. Barrett has mastered the art of building them up and helping them discover their true potential.”
