Mr. John Karnes is currently serving his 37th year in education with the last twenty years being served in the West Fork School District. Mr. Karnes came to the West Fork School District in the 2003-04 school year to serve as high school principal where he served seven years. Beginning with the 2010-11 school year, Mr. Karnes was promoted to superintendent of schools and is still remains in this position.
Mr. Karnes and his wife, Michelle, make their home in West Fork and love being a part of the community. Together, they have seven children between them, four precious grandchildren, and a family dog named Brady. Four of their seven children graduated from West Fork High School.
Mr. Karnes is a graduate of Springdale High School’s Class of 1981. Upon graduating, he attended Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, where he played football and studied science. In 1986, he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Science. He continued his studies for one more year to obtain his teaching license and coaching endorsement finishing up at Tech in 1987. In May of 2002, he received his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Finally, in 2007, he completed his Educational Specialist’s Degree from Harding University.
Mr. Karnes served as a science teacher/football coach for his first 15 years in education and has spent the last 21 years serving as a school administrator. He has worked in the Russellville School District, Prairie Grove School District, Harrison School District, Dover School District, Greenland School District, and hopes to retire from the West Fork School District some day.
Mr. Karnes enjoys spending quality time with his family, watching football, going to rock concerts, working in his yard, and traveling with his wife Michelle.