Laura Barnett is the new principal at St. Stephen and St. Bronislava schools.
She begins her duties Aug. 1, succeeding Greg Hansel, who is the new administrator for Stevens Point Area Catholic Schools.
Barnett has taught in Wisconsin schools for 10 years, most recently at St. Stephen School. She received a bachelor's degree at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and her master's degree at UW-SP.
She was the founder of the outdoor classroom site used by all the Stevens Point Area Catholic Schools. She is a Herb Kohl Fellowship Award winner and has spoken at several national conventions on educational issues. She is also a 1997 graduate of the diocesan Lay Ministry Program.
Barnett is a member of St. Stanislaus Parish and its pastoral council and justice and peace committee. She is also a cantor for the parish and sings with the Monteverdi Master Chorale.
She and her husband, Andy, have three children and live in Stevens Point.