Bill Barnes, retired principal and former TEPSA President, was named the 2025 TEPSAN At-Large for the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA). The TEPSAN At-Large, selected by the Executive Committee, recognizes TEPSA leaders who have given tremendous amounts of time, talents, and gifts to the profession and the Association.
For the last two decades, Barnes has been a steadfast advocate for retired educators, frequently visiting the State Capitol and Washington, D.C., to ensure their voices are heard in legislative matters. His efforts through the Texas Retired Teachers Association have been instrumental in influencing policies that benefit future and current retired Texas educators.
“Bill’s unwavering dedication and tireless efforts have made a significant difference in the lives of public school educators,” TEPSA Executive Director Harley Eckhart said. “We are truly grateful for his outstanding service and invaluable contributions to our profession.”
Barnes began his career as a special education teacher in Irving ISD. Afterwards, he was employed in the Hurst Euless Bedford ISD as an elementary level classroom teacher, assistant principal, curriculum coordinator and elementary principal. Barnes served as the 1992 TEPSA State President. He also served as the Zone 8 Representative and the Zone 8 Director for the National Association of Elementary School Principals.
After 37 years, he retired from the elementary principalship in 2002. Barnes and his wife, Janice, organized the Northwest Retired School Employees Association unit. His volunteer service with TRTA has included service as the TRTA State Legislative Committee Chair, TRTA State Legislative Coordinator, and on the TRTA Board of Directors. Barnes also represented retirees as a Board member of the TRS Retiree Advisory Committee for two terms.
Barnes will be honored at the 2025 TEPSA Legacy Luncheon on June 11 during the TEPSA Summer Conference at the Round Rock Kalahari.
TEPSA, whose hallmark is educational leaders learning with and from each other, has served Texas PK-8 school leaders since 1917. Member-owned and member-governed, TEPSA represents more than 6,000 members who direct the activities of more than 3 million PK-8 schoolchildren.
