Dear Staff, Families & Community
We are thrilled to announce the appointment of the new Principal of Rome Free Academy, the flagship of our district. Please join us in welcoming Mr. Andrew Barton, a dedicated and accomplished educator who brings over 15 years of leadership experience in school districts serving more than 90,000 students.
Much of Mr. Barton’s career has been dedicated to Prince William County Public Schools, the second-largest school division in Virginia, where he developed extensive experience in large-scale educational leadership. His background includes roles as Assistant Principal, Special Education Administrative Coordinator, and Principal of the district’s Summer School Program, where he successfully led a program serving over 1,200 students. Beginning his career as a special education teacher, he has remained deeply committed to inclusive education and fostering student success throughout his journey. Mr. Barton holds a bachelor’s degree in History from SUNY Oswego, as well as a Master of Education in Special Education and Educational Leadership from George Mason University.
Throughout his career, Mr. Barton has:
Led the implementation of special education programs designed to support diverse learners.
Set high performance goals focused on improving student achievement.
Developed master schedules and school budgets aligned with school values and district strategic priorities.
Supported professional growth of staff through professional growth planning and improvement plan processes.
Implemented consistent, equitable management practices that reduced out-of-school suspensions and improved student conduct.
Maintained a steadfast focus on creating safe, supportive learning environments for both students and staff.
Championed school safety as a foundational element of effective teaching and learning.
He is a collaborative leader who values communication, partnership, and accountability. His approach to student management, staff development, and instructional leadership reflects a deep belief in continuous improvement, mentorship, and strong school culture.
Mr. Barton is expected to begin his new role on July 1, and we look forward to formally welcoming him to our school community this summer. We are confident that under his leadership, Rome Free Academy will thrive as a place where excellence is expected, relationships are valued, and every student is supported on their path to success.
Please join us in warmly welcoming Andrew Barton to our district. We are excited about the future of Rome Free Academy, home of the Black Knights, under his leadership.
Warmly,
Superintendent Anselme