Principals
Dr. Ashley Mair - Principal
Dr. Ashley Mair was named Principal at Barnwell for the 2026-27 school year. Before this year, Dr. Mair served as an assistant principal at Francis Howell Central High School for 8 years and as a Spanish teacher for 12 years. As she transitions to middle school, Dr. Mair is eager to connect with families and partner with them in supporting the growth and opportunities for the students who are new to Barnwell and for those Bulldogs returning. Dr. Mair is a certified trainer in Restorative Practices, which focuses on relationship building and connection as a foundation for learning.
Prior to coming to Barnwell, she earned her Master of Arts degree in Education Administration at Lindenwood University and her Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Maryville University. Dr. Mair presently also serves Francis Howell School District as a Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines trainer.
Dr. Mair has a son who attends elementary school within the district because she is proud of the work the district is doing to support learners of all ages through academics and social-emotional learning. As a parent, she understands that we send our hearts to school each day in hopes that staff will care for them, and Dr. Mair plans to continue the "home away from home" motto now and always during her time as the principal. She, along with the other administrators at Barnwell, welcomes future conversation, suggestions, or ideas to help positively impact the culture of the building and the experience of all Barnwell Bulldogs.
Derek Lay - Assistant Principal
Mr. Lay has been an assistant principal at Barnwell since 2006. Prior to coming to Barnwell, he served the district as a Speech and Drama Teacher at Saeger and Bryan Middle Schools. Before teaching in Francis Howell, Mr. Lay was a High School English, Speech, Drama and Debate teacher at Oak Grove High School. In addition to teaching, he directed high school and middle school theatre productions, coached high school speech and debate and sponsored numerous student activities. Mr. Lay holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts Education, Master’s Degree in Educational Administration as well as an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Administration.
Mr. Lay attended schools in Francis Howell from Kindergarten through high school graduation, including as a middle school student at Barnwell. Attending school at Barnwell and joining the leadership team years later has given him a unique perspective on creating a student centered environment that focuses on student belonging, well-being and academic excellence. As a special education administrator for the building, a passion of his is to ensure that all students have equal access to curriculum, extracurricular activities and supports necessary to succeed in all settings.
Mr. Lay and his wife have two daughters. Their oldest is a student at Missouri State University in Springfield, and youngest is a student at Francis Howell Central. Outside of school, he enjoys following his daughter’s athletic events, Notre Dame and Battlehawks Football, tailgating on gameday, cheering for St. Louis sports teams and is occasionally involved in directing and acting in community theatre events. If he’s not doing that, he’s probably fiddling with his watch collection, cooking something on his smoker or grill, or thinking about the next thing he wants to cook on his smoker or grill.
Shania Robinson - Assistant Principal
Ms. Shania Robinson is overjoyed to support students, staff and families at Barnwell Middle School. Ms. Robinson is devoted to student success and to helping students look toward an unlimited future. Since 2021, Ms. Robinson has considered herself a servant leader. As a servant leader, collaboration and working towards change are some of the key components in her role.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead
As a change agent, Ms. Robinson will be serving as assistant principal at Barnwell Middle School. Prior to joining the Francis Howell School District, Ms. Robinson served on the administration team in the Hazelwood School District. She also taught in Gracias, Honduras, in Central America and the Ferguson-Florissant School District.
"Be the change you wish to see in the world" - Mahatma Gandhi
While serving in Honduras, Ms. Robinson taught 7th grade math and 12th grade business math. Ms. Robinson also served as the Program Director of their Hospitality and Tourism program for 10th-12th grade students. During Ms. Robinson's time in the Ferguson-Florissant School District, she served as an educator at McCluer North High School teaching business education. Ms. Robinson was then placed at Innovation High School at Cool Valley utilizing the Big Picture Learning model with a focus on Project-Based Learning in science, social studies, and ELA. Ms. Robinson earned a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from the University of Central Missouri and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." - Harriet Tubman