In July of 2023, Dr. Dana Barnes, joined Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD as the Deputy Superintendent where she leads the work of transforming education to meet the needs of every child. 

Since joining EMS ISD in 2009, Barnes has served in various campus instructional and administrative roles, including principal of Wayside Middle School and then Chisholm Trail High School. She then moved to district administration where she has served as Executive Director of Educational Services, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and most recently as Chief Academic Officer.  

Barnes began her educational career in 1990 after attending the University of North Texas for her bachelor’s and master’s in special education, reading specialty, and English. She received a Master’s in Education from UNT in 1992 and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M-Commerce in 2014. She also holds a Certification in Family Engagement from Harvard University in Massachusetts. She has experience in continuous improvement, strategic planning, and a systems model of thinking and working. She also brings a deep understanding and passion for student achievement and instructional best practices, and values ongoing opportunities to provide training and support for teachers and staff.