After 25 years of service to Notre Dame Regional High School, Jo Ann Barrett is retiring in May.

Sister Mary Ann Fischer, SSND, hired Barrett in 1992 as the school’s bookkeeper. Barrett left Notre Dame in 1994, to return in 2000 when she was hired for the same position by Brother David Migliorino, OSF.

Barrett’s job consists of payroll, accounts payable and receivable, bank reconciliation, and tuition payments and invoicing, among many other school finance duties. She’s also assists with Booster Club finances and Activity Week, and has played a key role in Notre Dame bingo over the years.

“Jo Ann has been dedicated to her role as bookkeeper for many years,” said Principal Tim Garner. “She has seen so much change in the main office and has continually rolled with the punches. It would amaze me every year to see the amount of time and effort she would put into her job during Activity Week. Everything that would be processed in the counting room would then be reconciled by her before being deposited. Many are not aware of the hours that Jo Ann would put in behind the scenes to allow everything to flow seamlessly during the school year.”

Reflection on Time at Notre Dame

Barrett has two daughters, Bryanna Barrett Perkins (’02) and Dr. Jennifer Barrett Burzynski (’06), both graduates of Notre Dame.

“I loved working at Notre Dame when my girls were attending, as I was able to attend all of their school functions and events,” Barrett said.

Another favorite of Barrett’s has been Halloween at Notre Dame.

“My favorite Notre Dame memories consist of all of our office costumes for Halloween, especially the year we were tourists,” she recalls.

“I’ve loved working at ND and watching all the students grow up to become good people. I enjoy seeing them out in public and getting to catch up with them,” she added. “I’ve made lifelong friends & will miss the people I work with and the fun we’ve had during my time here. I’d like to thank each and every faculty and staff member for their ongoing support and friendship.”

Retirement Plans

In retirement, Barrett plans to get her house organized and read more. She says she is looking forward to being active, especially practicing yoga regularly, and spending more time with her husband, Brian, and family.

Barrett’s grandson, Jacob, will be a freshman at Notre Dame in the fall, and her granddaughter, Aubrey, is a sixth grader at Immaculate Conception in Jackson.

“We love biking, playing pickleball, tennis, and of course, traveling.”

“Her time and expertise in the main office will be missed,” said Garner. “I pray that she enjoys many years of cycling and horseback riding as she transitions to this new chapter of her life.”