South Lenoir head basketball coach Jeremy Barnett is a new assistant principal at Kinston High School. Photo by William ‘Bud’ Hardy / Neuse News

By Junious Smith III

Kinston High School’s assistant principal position has officially been filled by a man with a Deep Run background.

The Lenoir County Public Schools board voted during Monday's school board meeting to have Jeremy Barnett take over in the capacity. Barnett graduated from South Lenoir in 2003 and started teaching at the school in 2007.

Coinciding with teaching, Barnett spent three years coaching junior varsity basketball before moving up to the varsity level, where he won 90 games in his eight-year career. South Lenoir reached the postseason in five consecutive seasons from 2013-17, peaking with a 17-6 record in the 2014-15 campaign.

LCPS Assistant Superintendent Nick Harvey II said Barnett will be a tremendous asset to Kinston.

"He brings a wealth of knowledge and was the chairperson of the history club at South Lenoir, bringing a strong academic background," Harvey said. "He's a team player and someone who will develop great relationships with every student at Kinston High.

“I couldn't be more excited for him."

Barnett said leaving South Lenoir was a tough decision to make, but a necessary one, especially for his family.

"It's a good opportunity to learn a new position at a different school," Barnett said. "I've been a South Lenoir guy my entire life; I've been there for about 20 years. I love my kids there and it was the hardest part, but this job also gives me flexibility to be there more for my family.

"At times, with my responsibilities I couldn't give the 100 percent everyone deserved. At Kinston, I'll have the challenge of a new job, but will also have the ability to watch my kids develop, which is great."