Karen Barber
Available reports...
  • M3 4/10/2023
  • M4 5/10/2023
  • M5 6/12/2023
  • M5 6/12/2023
  • M6 7/10/2023
  • Q3 10/10/2023
  • Q4 1/10/2024

Contact Information

Address
5272 Crystal Creek Dr
Pace, FL - 32571
Phone
850-232-8231
Candidate's Statement

What would you like for the public to know about yourself? (Optional)

 

Dr. Karen Barber has served as the Superintendent of Schools for Santa Rosa County School District since 2020. During her tenure as superintendent, Dr. Barber has increased the financial stability of the school district, earning a Standard and Poor’s rating of A+. This has allowed the district to borrow funds to construct new schools at 1.29 % interest rate. Under her leadership, the district embarked on a 10- month process to develop a 5-year strategic plan, resulting in a dramatic increase in parent communication and engagement, increased educational opportunities for dual enrollment, advanced placement, and career technical education courses, and an expansion of extracurricular and fine arts programs. Through the efforts of Dr. Barber and 3,700 Santa Rosa educators, the graduation rate increased by 1.5% and the district is designated as an academically high performing district by the Florida Department of Education, one of only 14 school districts in the state!

 

An educator for 36 years, she has been a teacher, school principal, adjunct professor for the University of West Florida, and Director of Federal Programs. During that time, Dr. Barber developed programs and services to meet the needs of at-risk youth including a DJJ Student Support Program that supports the successful transition of justice-involved youth back into the Santa Rosa County School District and post-secondary education and career; the One Family, One Year, One Home Program, a transitional housing program for families experiencing homelessness; the Early Reading Intervention Program, implemented in all the district’s elementary schools;  and the STEAM Innovate Program, a K-12 transformation, among the first of its kind in the nation focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics and career development.

 

Dr. Barber is recognized for her collaboration with the community, providing leadership as President of the Homeless Coalition, Kiwanis Club, YMCA, and ARC Santa Rosa. Dr. Barber is the past-president and founder of Santa Rosa Bridges Out of Poverty, a volunteer nonprofit organization focused on building resources for children and families in Santa Rosa County.

 

Dr. Barber’s recognitions include: Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year 2022, Civicon Transparency in Government Award 2021, Florida’s Innovative Technology Principal of the Year for the State of Florida 2008, University of West Florida Distinguished Alumni Award 2019 and 2011, Department of Children and Families Community Partner of the Year 2018, Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce Community Leader of the Year 2013, ESCAROSA Coalition on the Homeless Grassroots Leadership Award 2013. 

 

Dr. Barber considers the opportunity to serve as superintendent one of the greatest privileges of her life. She is extremely grateful for the support and trust of families and the community, and she is committed to ensuring the children of Santa Rosa County receive the finest education possible, with the partnership and input of their parents.

 


Note: The candidate's photograph and statement are supplied by the candidate and are not endorsed by the County Supervisor of Elections or checked for accuracy.
The following financial reports are available:
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Monetary Contributions In-Kind Contributions Expenditures and Distributions
$6,325.00
$0.00
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$1,330.51
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$770.85
$6,320.00
$962.42
$253.24
$0.00
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$5,580.00
$0.00
$447.04
$1,550.00
$0.00
$40.43
$24,648.40
$0.00
$8,565.85
Candidate qualifying forms and miscellaneous documents