Former Principal, West Charlotte High School
Dr. Timisha Barnes-Jones is a school turnaround specialist. As the principal of West Charlotte High School from 2013-19, Timisha was instrumental in the graduation rate increase of more than 17 percentage points. In her 22-year career as an educator, she has held various roles including chorus teacher, dean of students, and assistant principal of instruction. She is a 1992 graduate of Davidson College, received her Master’s degree from UNC-Charlotte, and her doctorate degree in Education Leadership from Gardner-Webb University. She also completed the Teaching Fellows Institute and the Relay Graduate School’s National Principal’s Academy Fellowship. She is now an Area Superintendent at Winston Salem/Forsyth County Schools.
What statistic have you recently heard that surprised you?
23 percent of white students in Charlotte attend majority-poverty schools while 77 percent of black students and 80 percent of Latino students go to these schools.
When and where were you learning at your best?
Davidson College as a music major working on my Bachelor’s Degree. (I had an awesome Dutch voice teacher)
What do you consider your organization's greatest achievement?
West Charlotte High School graduation rate has increased by over 31 percentage points in 4 years, and we increased our state performance letter grade.
What quality do you most admire in a school leader?
The ability to inspire
If you could change one thing about public education, what would it be?
I would increase pay so we can attract and retain effective educators
Which living person do you most admire?
My mom – she inspires me with her demonstration of love and leadership
Who are your favorite writers?
John Maxwell and Alice Walker
Favorite motto or quote?
Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”
What is your most marked characteristic?
Determination
What were you really into when you were a kid?
Singing and Acting