Dr. Barrett Deist, Chief School Business Official
Dr. Deist
Hello. My name is Barrett Deist. I am presently in my sixth year of serving as the Chief School Business Official for the Bethalto School District, overseeing district finances and operations. Prior to serving in this capacity, I served for two years as the district’s business manager, two years as the assistant principal at TMS, and three years as the dean of students at TMS. At TMS, I had the wonderful opportunity to work with outstanding 6-8th grade students and an amazing faculty and staff. In my current capacity, I work with an outstanding central office team, with my primary responsibility being to ensure that we are working to use district resources in a fiscally responsible manner while providing the best possible learning, teaching, and working opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff.
Deist at RBHS
Before joining the Bethalto School District, I taught 9-12th grade for ten years at Red Bud High School in Red Bud, IL. During my tenure at RBHS, I taught American Government, Earth Science, Global Studies, and World Geography. I also served as a class sponsor, social studies club sponsor, Model U.N. sponsor, National Honor Society sponsor, and student theater technical director. In addition, while teaching at RBHS, I taught U.S. Government & Politics and U.S. Foreign Policy for seven years as an adjunct instructor for St. Louis University. I have also had the opportunity to be a guest instructor for McKendree University and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Deist with Doctoral Teammates
I furthered my education at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, St. Louis University, and the University of Illinois at Springfield. I hold a B.S. in Geography, M.S. in Geographical Studies, and an Ed.S. in Educational Administration from SIUE. I also hold an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from SLU. Additionally, I completed coursework at UIS, working to earn my Chief School Business Official certification, having previously completed my teaching, principal, and superintendent certifications through SIUE and SLU.
Deist at Kmart Pharmacy
While in high school, during my first years of college, and prior to staring my full-time career in education, I held a variety of other jobs. My first job was as a busboy and dishwasher for two years at the now closed Brad and Phil's Restaurant in Maryville, IL. I then worked seven years as a stockman, department associate, and certified pharmacy technician at the former Kmart in Edwardsville, IL. In addition, I worked for two years as a certified pharmacy technician at Anderson Hospital in Maryville. I was also a substitute teacher and study hall monitor for one and a half years for the Edwardsville School District.
Deist with Fredbird and TMS Student
I consider myself truly blessed to have had a variety of work experiences, to have worked in the field of education for the past twenty+ years, and to continue to learn and grow as a lifelong learner. Whether serving as a teacher or administrator, my greatest joy has been, and continues to be, seeing students achieve academic and personal success. I look forward to a great 2023-2024 school year, the opportunity to continue to work with our outstanding students, faculty, and staff. I am a firm believer in our district’s vision, “Achievement for All.”
Thank you for visiting my webpage. For information on our district's financial progress, including financial information and reporting, visit https://www.bethalto.org/financial-information-and-reporting.html. Please don't hesitate to contact me at (618) 377-7200 x17203 or bdeist@bethalto.org.