Carla Barnes is a dedicated district secretary, mother, grandmother, and pillar of the school community.

Carla Barnes, the District Secretary at Benton Elementary School District 47, is more than just a title; she embodies the heart and soul of Benton Grade School. With nine years in this role, Carla’s journey from trucking industry veteran to a cornerstone of the district office is a testament to her resilience, adaptability, and unwavering dedication.

Carla’s professional journey began in the gritty, fastpaced world of trucking, where she worked as an office manager, dispatcher, and bookkeeper. “I did everything,” she recalls with a laugh, detailing her responsibilities at Sesser’s Boyd Brothers, now known as Sierra Bravo. Starting as a receptionist at just 19, Carla quickly rose through the ranks, proving her mettle in a demanding, male-dominated environment. “They were very hard to work for. The fact that I lasted a couple of years was a big deal,” she says, underscoring her tenacity and work ethic.

Her tenure in the trucking industry wasn’t just a job; it was a life journey. Carla navigated significant personal milestones during this time, from marriage and pregnancy to divorce and remarriage. Each experience, she believes, shaped her into the resilient and resourceful person she is today. This resilience was evident when Carla transitioned to working for Marion’s Oxford Crane and Trucking, a role she secured solely based on her reputation. “They knew what kind of people I had worked for and how long I had worked for them,” she explains.

The opportunity to work closer to home came when a local trucking company in Sesser, PRI Trucking, offered her a job. This move allowed Carla to balance her professional and personal life better, especially as a single mother. Her adaptability and willingness to take on new challenges didn’t go unnoticed. Carla later worked part-time while running a bait shop with her husband and even took on a role with the Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District.

Her journey to Benton Grade School began serendipitously. While helping a friend at a flower shop, Carla was approached our own Mary Poole, who knew of Carla’s reputation through mutual acquaintances. Despite initial reservations, Carla applied for the district secretary position, partly because it offered the chance to be in the same building as her daughter, Danielle, a third-grade teacher at Benton Grade School.

Starting in May of 2015, Carla found herself navigating the complexities of a district office, a far cry from the trucking world. “The hardest thing to grasp here was that there’s not much that’s ever completely completed. It is live. It keeps going,” she reflects. But Carla’s dedication and adaptability saw her through, and today, she confidently manages the myriad tasks that come her way, from state reporting and board meetings to insurance and payroll.

Beyond her professional achievements, Carla is a devoted mother and grandmother. Her daughter, Danielle, has followed in her educational footsteps, earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s in administration. Carla’s son, a national partnership development manager for a healthcare company in New Orleans, has also made her proud with his impressive educational and professional accomplishments.

Carla’s family is her pride and joy, and she cherishes the moments she spends with her grandchildren. Her granddaughter, Libby, and grandson, Max, bring a special joy to her life. “It allows me to love them all over again,” she says, highlighting the unique bond she shares with her grandchildren. “When my daughter tells me I’ve forgotten about my children, I remind her that it’s not that I love them more. It’s just that I get to love them all over again.”

Carla’s journey is a testament to the strength and resilience that define the Benton community. Her story, marked by hard work, adaptability, and a deep love for her family and community, inspires everyone around her. As Dr. Steve Smith, the District Superintendent, aptly puts it, “The level of detail with the data that she maintains, whether it’s through CIS or benefits, or anything else that enables me to do my job, is astounding. She is in it, and in a big way. What she brings to the District is so, so valuable, I just can’t say enough about that.”

Carla’s story is also one of community pride. A recent experience during a visit to see her son in New Orleans highlighted the small-town values she cherishes. “The waitress said, ‘I’ve never waited on more polite, cordial, friendly people.’ It made me proud to be from Benton,” Carla shares. This sense of pride and community spirit is what makes Benton special. “We are plain, common people for the most part. People who are just hardworking and who don’t give up,” she adds.

In a world where the importance of support roles is often overlooked, Carla Barnes stands out as a beacon of dedication and excellence. Her story is not just about a career; it’s about the impact one person can have on a community, the difference one can make in the lives of others. Carla Barnes is, indeed, the backbone of Benton Grade School, and her legacy of service and dedication will continue to inspire for generations to come.

Reflecting on her journey, Carla offers advice to her younger self: “I’d probably tell her she needs to enjoy life just a little bit more, relax a little bit more.” She emphasizes the importance of following one’s dreams, a lesson she imparts to the students she supports. “It’s okay to relax and enjoy a little bit of life,” she muses. This wisdom, born from years of hard work and dedication, is what Carla now passes on to the next generation.

As Benton Grade School continues to thrive, much of its success can be attributed to the unsung heroes like Carla Barnes and her ‘behind-the-scenes’ colleagues. Her story is a reminder that every role, no matter how behind-the-scenes it may be, is crucial in shaping the future of our communities. Carla Barnes’ commitment, passion, and love of family make her an invaluable asset to Benton Grade School and an inspiration to all.