NEWS RELEASE
(ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Virginia)—At its July 11, 2024, meeting, the Albemarle County School Board approved the selection of Damean Barfield as the next principal of Albemarle High School (AHS). Barfield succeeds Darah Bonham, who is transitioning to the division’s Office of School Safety and Security as a School Safety and Security Coordinator.
Barfield brings more than 15 years of high school administrative experience, most recently serving as principal for Essex High School in Tappahannock, Virginia. During his time there, Barfield focused on improving instruction, teacher self-efficacy, and creating an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect between students, staff and families.
“It’s important to me to create an environment in which students, staff and families can work together to emphasize and support students’ abilities to learn and grow in all aspects of school,” Barfield said. “We have to work together to ensure that all of our students have the opportunity to thrive.”
“I believe the breadth of Mr. Barfield’s experience as a high school principal and assistant principal will be invaluable to the community at AHS,” said Clare Keiser, Assistant Superintendent for Organizational Development. “We are excited for the new and innovative ideas that Mr. Barfield will bring to Albemarle County Public Schools.”
Barfield earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Education from Virginia Commonwealth University. Before his tenure as principal of Essex High School, Barfield served as an assistant principal at Hanover, Hermitage, Glen Allen, and Deep Run high schools, and Fairfield Middle School. Barfield began his career in education as a Health and Physical Education teacher in 1999.
Barfield will work with Bonham and the staff of AHS to transition to his new role beginning in late July.
Pictured: Damean Barfield
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