He attended the University of Northern Iowa and served in the U.S. Army as part of the U.S. occupation of Japan.
Time magazine wrote in 1976:[5] Tall, thin, bearded Principal Edwin Barker is popular with students and community alike.
"He does a good job walking the tightrope of an innovative school system and a conservative backlash," observes one parent.
[6] Barker was also involved in controversies involving his support for the student council selection of topic "Black America" for a week of educational programs,[7] sex education, which he favored,[8] suspending football players for drinking[9] and the firing of a teacher over inappropriate items posted in a classroom.
[10] Barker retired as principal of West High School in 1979 to manage his apartment business.