Dr. Stephen C. Jones, Superintendent of Schools

With a proven record of leadership experience and more than 35 years working in various aspects of public education, Dr. Stephen C. Jones assumed the position of Superintendent of Norfolk Public Schools in July 2005. Norfolk Public Schools serves nearly 35,000 students PreK-12 in 49 schools and 15 auxiliary facilities including early childhood, hospital, alternative and career centers.

From 1999-2005, Dr. Jones served as Superintendent of the Syracuse City School District, one of the Big 5 school districts in New York State. Among his many accomplishments, he successfully reorganized the administrative functions of the district, restructured the delivery of instructional services to students, expanded universal prekindergarten, revamped middle-level instruction, and established significant partnerships with institutions of higher learning as well as with the faith-based community.

Immediately preceding the position in Syracuse, Dr. Jones was the Executive Director of Community of Caring, Inc., a comprehensive K-12 values education and teenage pregnancy prevention program, which is a project of the Joseph P. Kennedy Foundation in Washington, D.C.

From 1992-1998, Dr. Jones led, at the Area and Associate Superintendent level, virtually every aspect of the Baltimore County Public Schools, the 25th largest school system in the United States with 160 schools serving over 106,000 students. Prior to 1992, Dr. Jones worked in a variety of increasingly responsible positions in the Baltimore County Public Schools, including: Northeast Area Superintendent of Schools, Coordinator of Minority Education, Middle School Principal, and High School Assistant Principal. He began his career in Baltimore in 1970 as a social studies teacher.

Since arriving in Norfolk, Dr. Jones has concentrated on moving the district forward on its journey to reach world-class status by 2010. Recent data reveal that the district has made significant progress in narrowing achievement gaps while increasing academic proficiency for all. In 2005, Norfolk Public Schools won the prestigious Broad Prize for Urban Education. Today, Dr. Jones is overseeing the implementation of a districtwide Strategic Plan designed to guide Norfolk Public Schools’ journey to world class over the next five years.

Dr. Jones’ collaborative leadership style has earned him tremendous allegiance from all stakeholders. He has developed and expanded upon positive relationships within the community, especially with parents, business, government, and religious leaders. Most recently, he led the effort to create the Norfolk Public Schools Educational Foundation, a vehicle to assist in providing the necessary resources to support the district’s strategic plan and world-class mission.

Dr. Jones has received numerous awards including the 2001 School District Leadership Award from the Congressional Black Caucus, the Distinguished Educator of the Year for 1998 from the Fullwood Foundation, the 1997 Outstanding Leadership in Education Award from the Baltimore County Alliance of Black School Educators, and the Administrator of the Year from Maryland State Teachers Association.

Most recently, in recognition of his educational experience and accomplishments, the Honorable Timothy Kaine, Governor, appointed Dr. Jones to the StartStrong Commission on Early Childhood Education. The Commission is charged with overseeing the development of expanded access to quality preschool for four-year-olds across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Dr. Jones currently serves on the boards of several local organizations including WHRO, Nauticus, the Governor’s School for the Arts, ACCESS College Foundation, Square One, and more.

Additionally, he is an active member of many professional and community organizations including the Council of Great City Schools, American Association of School Administrators, Hampton Roads 200+ Men, Inc., Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, and Old Dominion University’s Community Development Corporation.

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