Former St. Johns County Schools Superintendent Dr. Joseph Joyner has endorsed Kelly Barrera’s bid for re-election as the District 4 representative to the St. Johns County School Board.
Now president of Flagler College, Joyner served as superintendent of the St. Johns County School System for 14 years, retiring in January 2017. Under his leadership, St. Johns County was routinely ranked as the top-rated school district in the state of Florida.
“There is no question in my mind that the re-election of Kelly Barrera is essential to the continued success of the St. Johns County School District,” Joyner said in his endorsement. “I have worked with many board members in my 40 years in public education and Kelly Barrera is one of the finest.”
Joyner praised Barrera for her passion and commitment to improving the educational experience for all students.
“Kelly has been a fierce advocate for the students and parents in her community, questioning the status quo to ensure all decisions are made in the best interest of children,” Joyner said of Barrera, whose district includes Ponte Vedra Beach, Nocatee, Palencia and parts of St. Augustine. “She has also been a true servant leader and a compassionate listener during her time on the School Board ... It is an honor to give my highest endorsement to Kelly Barrera in her re-election to the St. Johns County School Board.”
Barrera said she was both humbled and grateful for Joyner’s strong endorsement.
“Dr. Joyner is one of the most respected educational leaders in the state of Florida — his record of helping students achieve academic excellence speaks for itself,” she said. “It was an honor and a privilege to have served on the School Board during his tenure and to carry on his legacy of excellence as the board’s current vice chair. If re-elected, I will continue to work hard every day to ensure that the St. Johns County School District continues to offer our children the very best possible education, and remains a model for the state of Florida.”
A Ponte Vedra Beach resident for more than 25 years, Barrera is a graduate of Jacksonville University, where she was the first female graduate of the aviation program. She and her husband, Gil Barrera, are the parents of two adult children, both of whom have attended and volunteered in the local schools and community. For more information on Barrera, visit www.kellybarrera.com.
