Family, tradition and excellence

For her 25 years in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Jackie Barone has only worked in two schools - East Mecklenburg High and Piedmont IB Middle.

While working as a math teacher at East Mecklenburg, Barone wanted to try something different and broaden the support she could give to others.

“I met Ms. Gardner, who was the principal (at Piedmont), and she was looking for an assistant principal,” said Barone. “The cards aligned perfectly and put me and her together.”

Barone has been at Piedmont IB Middle for the last 15 years, and has loved working as the assistant principal and now principal. She hopes to be able to retire from there.

“I love the sense of community, seeing kids grow up and come back, and the impact we made,” she said. “I tell these stories about ‘Oh I taught this kid or that kid’ but at the end of the day, that’s why we do what we do. It’s such an affirming feeling to see somebody come back and identify that you supported them, and that’s why they’re where they are because you helped them.

“I also want to give a huge shout out to the teachers,” she said. “Seeing amazing teachers and the things they make happen makes me love my job.”

Barone was announced as the East Learning Community Principal of the Year back in September.

“Often in this role, you wonder if people see the work,” she said. “We don’t get to talk and share as much as we would like to. So you never know what people are seeing and knowing and learning about you. So to feel that respect and be seen by my peers means a lot to me.”

“Mrs. Barone is a strong instructional leader who builds a positive school climate where students achieve and excel to their full potential,” said Trish Sexton, east learning community superintendent. 

Since being at Piedmont IB Middle, one project Barone is most proud of is the eighth grade community project. As the assistant principal, Barone was around for the school’s initial authorization of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. When the community project was introduced to IB schools to take on, Barone recalled schools across the globe struggling to get submissions. And year after year, all her eighth graders complete theirs.

“It’s been a strong source of pride for us,” she said. 

Her son organized a veterans day breakfast that they hold annually and her daughter is currently working on hers.

“It’s really exciting from a parent's perspective because she’s actually excited about it and talking about doing something for others,” said Barone. “To see them so excited about something that’s going to make a difference is really cool.”

Barone considers her school one family that she refers to as the Piedmont way, which includes family, tradition and excellence. 

“Our community is the most amazingly diverse place on the planet,” she said. “So it creates a unique experience in that we have all these different experiences and backgrounds coming together and we have to make it into this Piedmont way, our spirit and culture."