Mr. Daniel Barrentine, principal of George W. Long High School in the Dale County School System, has been named 2023 Alabama High School Principal of the Year by the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP).

Barrentine has served a total of 16 years in the field of education with the last 10 years spent in education administration. Since July 2019, he has led George W. Long High School as the principal.

The High School Principal of the Year award was presented to Barrentine on Friday, January 13, 2023, at George W. Long High School in a schoolwide assembly. Dale County Superintendent Mr. Ben Baker was in attendance for the presentation. American Fidelity Assurance sponsors this award annually and Interior Elements grants an office makeover to the recipient.

One of Barrentine’s greatest accomplishments is the development of a high-expectations-driven environment at George W. Long High School. A collaborative effort between teachers, staff, students and community members, the culture of high expectations has created a positive impact throughout the school. ELA achievement increased dramatically with ACT and ACAP scores being in the top 30 in Alabama. The school continues to be in the top 5 in math achievement.

Barrentine is credited with developing an advisory block to focus on ACT preparation for students in grades 9-12. Each grade level is on a 3-week rotation ensuring they will receive instruction in ELA, math, and science in each 9-week grading period. Each group is determined by achievement, which allows instruction to meet students at their level. The advisory block has allowed students to learn test-taking strategies and expose students to the ACT at an earlier grade level while monitoring progress using practice tests throughout the year. Teachers also have opportunities to grow professionally without disrupting the flow of the normal school day.

Barrentine was chosen from three district finalists. Each finalist interviewed with a panel of judges at the AASSP/AAMSP Fall Conference in November where the winner was determined. The other finalists were Antjuan Marsh, principal of Lee High School in Montgomery Public Schools, and Micah Smothers, principal of Addison High School in Winston County Schools.

“We are so excited for Mr. Barrentine to receive this honor. He does an outstanding job. He is an asset to this school and the community. He is just a great leader,” comments Dale County Schools Superintendent Mr. Ben Baker.

“It is no surprise to me that Daniel Barrentine was named Alabama’s High School Principal of the Year,” said CLAS and AASSP Executive Director Dr. Vic Wilson. “His leadership speaks of his commitment to ensuring that all students have access to a high-quality education.”

Barrentine will be recognized at the Awards Luncheon during the CLAS Convention on June 13, 2023, at the Mobile Convention Center. The CLAS Convention is the largest gathering of school leaders in the state of Alabama. He will also be recognized at the AASSP/AAMSP Fall Conference in November 2023.

About AASSP and CLAS: The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals is an affiliate association of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS).  CLAS is an umbrella association that serves twelve different affiliates comprised of Alabama’s public school administrators.  CLAS is dedicated to providing the framework to connect dedicated school administrators and other successful leaders with a network for professional growth and support.  For more information, visit www.clasleaders.org. 

About American Fidelity Assurance: American Fidelity Assurance provides employee and employer benefit solutions for education employees. They are a long-time supporter of CLAS and the sponsor of the Alabama High School Principal of the Year award.

About Interior Elements: Interior Elements is a furniture dealer that services the K-12 market. Each year, Interior Elements provides an office makeover for the Alabama High School Principal of the Year.

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Photo (pictured left to right): John Cole, American Fidelity Assurance; David Sikes, AASSP President; Daniel Barrentine, 2023 Alabama High School Prinicpal of the Year; Ben Baker, Dale County Schools Superintendent; and Dr. Vic Wilson, CLAS and AASSP Executive Director. [Download Photo]