Meet Ben Barton, Superintendent of the School District of Onalaska

Ben Barton brings more than 25 years of experience in education and leadership to his role as Superintendent of the School District of Onalaska. A lifelong advocate for student success, Barton is deeply committed to academic excellence, equitable opportunities, and fostering personalized learning experiences for every student with a strong belief that all students deserve a learning environment grounded in high expectations, free from bias, prejudice, and discrimination. His leadership philosophy is centered on collaboration, continuous growth, and a strong belief in the power of relationships to drive meaningful change.

Before joining the Onalaska community, Barton served as Superintendent of Princeton Public Schools for seven years, spent six years as Superintendent of Caledonia Area Public Schools and nine years as the principal for La Crescent Middle School. He began his career as a health and physical education teacher and coach, working with student-athletes in wrestling, football, and track. Those early experiences shaped his team-oriented approach to leadership with an emphasis in collaboration, trust, and shared success over individual recognition.

A proud graduate from the University of Northern Iowa, Barton earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education and competed as a Division I collegiate wrestler. He later completed a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota and pursued principal and superintendent licensure through an Educational Administration and Leadership post-mast specialist program at St. Cloud State University. He is a Nationally Certified Superintendent through the American Association of School Administrator’s (AASA) National Superintendent Certification Program.

In addition to his work in K–12 education, Barton has served as an Adjunct Professor and Curriculum Consultant at Winona State University, helping to develop the university’s education philosophy curriculum. He also mentors new superintendents, contributing his expertise to support and inspire the next generation of educational leaders. Barton’s leadership has been recognized nationally, including his article “Saying Yes: Backing Educator Success,” featured in the School Administrator magazine by the AASA.

Originally from Wabasha, Minnesota, Barton is married to his high school sweetheart, Jodi. They have two adult children and two grandchildren. Outside of work, he remains actively involved in community efforts that support students and families. Superintendent Barton is honored to serve the Onalaska community and looks forward to working together to build on the district’s strong tradition of excellence.