The Department has named Geoffrey Barney the new superintendent of the Missouri School for the Blind beginning with the 2014-15 school year. Barney succeeds Patty Yocum, who retired after serving as superintendent for five years.

“Geoffrey has many great qualities that will benefit the Missouri School for the Blind,” said Stephen Barr, assistant commissioner for special education. “His leadership will be valuable in keeping the school moving in a positive direction. We also want to thank Patty for all of her service and dedication to the school, and wish her the best in retirement.”

Barney has 12 years of experience in educational administration. Most recently, he served as a building administrator and an area director for the Missouri Schools for the Severely Disabled. He previously taught classes in Spanish, biology and student leadership.

Barney has a bachelor’s degree in zoology from Brigham Young University in Utah and a master’s degree in educational administration from Chapman University in California. He earned a specialist in administration from Missouri Baptist University.

“I am very excited to be selected to work with the great students, parents and staff members of the Missouri School for the Blind,” said Barney.

The Missouri School for the Blind, located in St. Louis, provides support services to blind and visually impaired students and their families, and to school districts statewide.

For more information on the school, please visit http://msb.dese.mo.gov/.