Former St. Johns County Schools Superintendent Dr. Joseph Joyner has once again endorsed Kelly Barrera’s bid for re-election as the District 4 representative to the St. Johns County School Board.
The former president of Flagler College, Joyner served as superintendent of the St. Johns County School System for 14 years, retiring in 2017. Under his leadership, St. Johns County was routinely ranked as the top-rated school district in the state of Florida.
“In my 40-plus years in education, I can honestly say that Kelly Barrera is one of the finest school board members I’ve ever worked with,” Joyner said in his endorsement. “Her contributions to the St. Johns County Schools played an important part in the high academic standard we have been able to achieve and maintain.”
Joyner praised Barrera as a “passionate advocate” for students and parents.
“Kelly is never afraid to challenge the status quo,” Joyner said. “She speaks up and tackles the tough issues head on, putting the best interests of our students first. I am pleased to offer her my enthusiastic endorsement for re-election to the School Board.”
Barrera said she was grateful to receive Joyner’s endorsement.
“It was a tremendous privilege for me to serve on the School Board during Dr. Joyner’s tenure as superintendent and I am truly honored to receive the endorsement from such a respected educational leader,” she said. “His leadership was instrumental in making St. Johns County the top-ranked public school system in the state, and if re-elected, I will work hard to maintain that strong academic standing so that our children can continue to receive the best possible education.”
A Ponte Vedra Beach resident for 30 years, Barrera is a graduate of Jacksonville University, where she was the first female graduate of the aviation program. She and her husband, Gil Barrera, are the parents of two adult children, both of whom have attended and volunteered in the local schools and community.
