Jones County Schools to announce new superintendent

Graves brings more than 20 years of experience in education and once interned in Jones County, making the selection a full-circle moment.

GRAY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- The Jones County Board of Education has named Dr. Jessica Baxter Graves as the sole finalist to become the next superintendent of the Jones County School System.

The board has a special called meeting for Thursday at 5:30pm at the Jones County Board of Education. The agenda includes announcing the superintendent of the Jones County School System.

Who is Dr. Jessica Graves?

According to information submitted as part of the application process and shared by the school district, Graves holds a Ph.D. in Language and Literacy Education, has more than 20 years of experience across K-12 and higher education settings. Her background includes teaching at the elementary level, serving as a professor and supervisor of teacher candidates at Valdosta State University, and taking on district-level leadership roles focused on curriculum, literacy, teacher development, and instructional improvement.

She currently works in the Colquitt County School District, where she has served as Director of Student Achievement and Assistant Principal.

Graves earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and her master’s in Educational Administration and Supervision before completing her doctorate at the University of Georgia. She also holds ESOL and reading endorsements.

Her application materials describe a leadership philosophy grounded in communication, collaboration and data-informed decision-making. She cites experience in strengthening instructional practices, supporting teacher growth, leading strategic improvement efforts, and fostering community partnerships.

Graves said in her application that when she was in college at Georgia College and State University, she completed an internship at Mattie Wells Elementary and noted that becoming superintendent in Jones County would be a full circle moment for her career bringing her back to where she started.