Press Release
CARTERSVILLE, Ga., May 19, 2015– With flags at half-staff and hearts weighed heavy, the
Bartow County School System mourns the death of Woodland Middle School Principal Lamar
Barnes.
Since 1995, Barnes worked for BCSS as a principal, first at South Central Middle School and
then Woodland Middle beginning in 1999. During his twenty years with the school system,
Barnes led with integrity and compassion. He modeled true leadership for the staff and students
under his care.
Superintendent Dr. John Harper said, “I am deeply saddened by the loss of Lamar. He was a
quality educator who cherished what he did. We have a lost a great man. He will truly be
missed.”
To aid with the grieving process, counselors and administrators from other schools within the
system are at WMS today.
Harper said, “We may have 20 schools within our system, but we are still a family. I am so
pleased to hear that staff members from our other schools have stepped up and are at Woodland
Middle today to help support the school family there. We will do whatever we can to assist our
staff and students during this difficult time.”
Information regarding funeral arrangements for Barnes will be released later.