About

Meet Ben Barton, Superintendent of Princeton Public Schools
 

As the Superintendent of Princeton Public Schools, Ben Barton is passionate about ensuring academic excellence and providing personalized learning experiences for all students. He is committed to fostering a culture that delivers every student an authentic educational experience grounded in high expectations, free from bias, prejudice, and discrimination.

With over 25 years of educational leadership, Barton has developed a comprehensive continuous improvement plan for Princeton Public Schools, emphasizing student learning, climate and culture, multi-tiered systems of support, and efficient operations.

Barton has been the Superintendent of Princeton Public Schools since 2018, following six years as Superintendent of Caledonia Area Public Schools. Before becoming a superintendent, he spent nine years as a principal in eastern Minnesota schools. He began his career as a health and physical education teacher, while coaching wrestling, football, and track. His approach to leadership is rooted in his coaching experience, where he learned that success is not a mantle worn by the leader but carried by the whole team. 

Barton earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from the University of Northern Iowa, where he was a successful division 1 collegiate wrestler. He completed a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota and pursued principal and superintendent licensure through an Educational Administration and Leadership post-master specialist program at St. Cloud State University. He is also a Nationally Certified Superintendent, having completed the National Superintendents Association Certification Program.

Barton serves as a mentor to new superintendents, sharing his expertise to guide the next generation of educational leaders and fostering their professional growth. His leadership and insights have also been recognized on a national level. In his article, "Saying Yes: Backing Educator Success," published in the AASA (American Association of School Administrators) magazine, Barton highlights his commitment to supporting educators in their journey to success.

Beyond his work in K-12 education, Barton taught as an Adjunct Professor and Curriculum Consultant at Winona State University for seven years, helping to shape the university’s education philosophy curriculum.

A native of Wabasha, Minnesota, Barton is married to his high school sweetheart, Jodi, and they have two adult children and now two grandchildren. He remains active in various community organizations supporting K-12 students and is proud to bring his passion for education and leadership to Princeton Public Schools.