The Jackson County Board of Education approved Dr. Susan Leonard as the new assistant principal at East Jackson Middle School on May 12. Leonard will begin her duties in July.
This appointment is notable because Leonard previously worked in the Jackson County School System and taught at East Jackson Middle from 2013 to 2017. She was named Teacher of the Year at East Jackson Middle School in 2016.
Leonard currently serves as the assistant principal of Madison County Middle School, a position she has held since 2023. Her return to EJMS marks a homecoming for her professional career.
“I’m incredibly honored to join the team at East Jackson Middle School,” Dr. Leonard said. “The relationships and experiences I had while working in Jackson County earlier in my career made a lasting impact on me, so the opportunity to return in a leadership role feels especially meaningful. I look forward to supporting students, partnering with staff and families, and building on the strong work already happening at EJMS.”
Leonard holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Middle School Education from the University of Georgia, a Master’s Degree and Specialist Degree from Walden University, and a Ph.D. from UGA. She also holds a Tier 1 Leadership Certificate from the University of North Georgia.
Jackson County School System operates seven elementary schools, three middle schools, two high schools, and a career center serving more than 11,200 students across pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade with programs focused on academics, arts, and athletics according to the official website.
