Parsons USD 503 welcomes back Barney Pontious, who is stepping into his new role as principal at Garfield School this year.
Pontious began working for Parsons USD 503 last year as the assistant principal/athletic director at Parsons Middle School. He has a bachelor and master of science degrees from Fort Hays State University. He is entering his 13th year in education.
Before taking the position at Parsons Middle School, he served as principal at Erie Elementary School for four years. Prior to that, he taught at the elementary, middle and high school levels. “From a personal standpoint, our family has been blessed with four wonderful kids who range from our two college age daughters to our 7th grade son, who was followed by our little surprise boy who is not yet two. My wonderful wife, Sami, is a pre-K teacher at Lincoln and definitely the rock of our family. We enjoy sporting events, cooking, water of all types, and generally just spending time together. I am excited to get to know all of the members of my new Garfield family as well.
“I very much look forward to serving the staff and students here at Garfield with enthusiasm and dedication. I love the Parsons community and believe that we have the best people anywhere right here in our hometown.
“It is my core belief that all kids can achieve greatness and I know that the amazing staff that we have at Garfield will be a pleasure to work with as we embrace the challenge of helping our students maximize their potential and become outstanding young people. I look forward to helping the Garfield team make this the best school year ever. As a Parsons Viking alumnus, I have dreamed of the chance to serve our community and am honored to work developing our young people.”