A year after she retired as superintendent, voters on March 3 could return Lea Barrett to a leadership role in the Brookhaven School District.

     Barrett faces Erin Smith in the election to replace three-term member Carl Aycock on the Brookhaven board of trustees.

     The election will occur Saturday, March 3, from 1 to 6 p.m. in the Brookhaven High School Gymnasium. Only area residents who live outside the Brookhaven city limits but within the Brookhaven School District may vote.

     Aycock has moved into the city limits, rendering him ineligible for a fourth term. Barrett said his imminent absence inspired her to seek a board position.

     Barrett, 61, served as Brookhaven’s superintendent for six and a half years, retiring in March of 2011.

     Barrett believes her experience managing the district during some “very austere” years will be of benefit to the board as new challenges appear on the horizon.

     Public education in Mississippi has some difficult years ahead due to increasing budget pressures, Barrett said in an interview Friday. Funds available through federal stimulus money will run out this year.

     Districts may also face new challenges due to actions by the state legislature, Barrett said. She believes the board needs someone familiar with the school system to help navigate the transitions ahead.

     “The changes we are facing does call for someone with experience,” Barrett said. “Not necessarily that you are married to what has happened in the past, but knowledge of what has been can help facilitate change.”

     Barrett said bills before the Legislature to allow more charter schools and consolidate administrative functions will have consequences for all schools.

     “The next five or 10 years to public education will require a very careful, measured, thoughtful response from school boards across the state,” Barrett said.

     In preparing the budget for next year, Barrett does not believe the district should have to draw on reserve funds as recently proposed by Gov. Phil Bryant.

     “I think that’s a way to punish districts that have done well,” Barrett said, echoing a common complaint voiced by educators throughout the state, including those in Lincoln County.

     Speaking of budget priorities, Barrett said the last programs to touch are those directly affecting students. Instead, the former superintendent said districts must look to squeeze support services, such as clerical and janitorial staff.

     The former superintendent believes her background in the district can be helpful in many areas beyond just the budget, citing her knowledge of accreditation standards and state and federal regulations.

     Before her tenure as superintendent, Barret was Brookhaven’s assistant superintendent for six years and vocation director for three.

     In another district, she worked as a principal and assistant principal and has taught English, Latin and gifted education, giving her a total of 32 and a half years in education.

     Barrett grew up in Yazoo City but is well settled in the Homeseeker’s Paradise.

     “Brookhaven as a community and Brookhaven School District both have been a wonderful adopted home for me,” Barrett said. “I want to continue to see this community and school district succeed.”