Jim, a native of Tennessee, chose Bay County as his home. Jim is active member of our community.

• Coordinator of Community Education Programs and Partners, Gulf Coast Community College (10 years).
• Coordinator, Education Encore, Gulf Coast Community College.
• President of Board of Directors, The Miracle League of the Emerald Coast - baseball for disabled children. Click to learn more about the Miracle League.
• Advisory Board, University of Florida Extension Service.
• Board of Directors, Advocates for Children.
• Vocational Director, Panama City Beach Rotary Club. Received "Rotarian of the Year Award" and Paul Harris Fellow Award (the highest leadership award given by the Rotary Clubs International).
• Executive Board, Gulf Coast Community College Athletic Association.
• Board of Directors, Bay County American Cancer Society.
• Official "Gulf Coast Community College Person Award," a campus-wide award for hard work, perseverance, and dedication.
• Superintendent of Schools, Jefferson County, Tennessee (8 years).
• School District Budget Director, Johnson City Public Schools (3 years).
• High School Principal, Jefferson County, Tennessee (8 years).
• Listed in Who's Who Among American School Administrators.
• Represented the Southeastern United States at the White House Conference for Youth.
• Biology Teacher/Baseball Coach and College Baseball Coach (Walters State Community College).
• Tennessee "Outstanding Young Educator of the Year."
• Tennessee "Outstanding School of the Year" Award. While serving as Superintendent of Schools, oversaw the construction of a comprehensive high school that consolidated 4 area schools.
• County Director, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Jefferson County, Tennessee.
• President, Little League Association, Jefferson County, Tennessee.

Jim offers Bay County a wealth of relevant experience and history of effective, pertinent leadership. Jim has been a teacher, coach, principal, superintendent (8 years), school district budget director, college administrator, college coach, and has national-level experience in private-sector vocational education.

Jim has an unyielding passion for meaningful service in education. Most importantly, Jim has vision. He has a vision for every child in our community. This vision doesn't stop at the boundary of the school parking lot. It extends to the quality of life our children and grandchildren can obtain only through education, where virtually every student is college or career bound. This vision can be achieved through a renewed commitment to our students. It acknowledges the challenges, and accepts no excuses.

Every four years, the leadership of our schools and the future of our children hang in the balance. It's time tip the scales in their favor. It's time for inspiring leadership. It's time for Jim Barr.

My mission in life is to help enhance the lives of others, particularly young people...The position of superintendent of schools will afford me an opportunity to provide the leadership to make a meaningful difference in the life's of our children, our most prized possessions.

My educational preparation, work experience, and life long interests compel me to public service in the education arena.

I am confident that I have the educational training, work experience, and ability to raise the bar of leadership for Bay County.

I thrive on challenges and there is no doubt the position of school board member will provide a real challenge...a challenge that I am ready, willing and able to accept.

I believe in delegating responsibilities to capable administrators and managing by positive re-enforcement...recognizing and applauding success....identifying areas that need improvement and together designing a plan to realize improvements.

I fully recognize the worth of employee morale...I take great pride in being able to motivate employees by treating them as professionals, letting them know that they are appreciated, recognize and appalaud their successes and by helping them to improve in areas where needed. I have found that elevated morale and self-image greatly enhances productivity.

I believe in the open door policy...being a good listener...and...returning phone calls promptly.

I am a committed Christian and I hold in high esteem all men and women of good will.

As a member of the National Rotary Club, I am committed to the "4-Way Test" of the things we think, say or do.

I will support an educational program that will enrich the learning experiences of students and give them an opportunity to reach their maximum potential whether it be preparation for college or to become gainfully employed. I will . . .