Christine Barnett

Christine Barnett was born in McAlester, Oklahoma, in 1923, but she spent most of her life as a Texan. Her education began in the public school system in Sherman, Texas, and, after attending Baylor University, Austin College and Louisiana State University, she received her bachelor’s degree from LSU in 1944 with a major in social sciences.

Christine married Lt. Tye Hill Barnett during World War II, and after he graduated from the University of Texas in 1950, the couple tried their hand at ranching in Concho and McCullough counties. The severe drought years of the early 1950s forced them to give up ranching, and in 1954 they moved to Arlington.

As the mother of five children, Barnett’s adult life was devoted to her family, community, and schools. Active in the PTAs of five schools, she held various offices, including the presidency of Berry Elementary and Sam Houston High School PTAs.

Barnett was the first woman in modern times to serve on the AISD Board of Trustees (since 1921). She served on the Board from 1969-1981. Some of her accomplishments during her tenure include air conditioning Arlington schools, additional gyms in the secondary schools, gyms in all of the elementary schools, the establishment of Teacher Administration-School Board consultants, the addition of four junior high schools, three high schools, and 10 elementary schools, as well as the addition of Cravens and Wilemon Fields.

Barnett Junior High was dedicated on Sunday, November 7, 1993.