FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2026

Media Contact:
Dr. Dawayne McIntosh
Franklin County Schools

Franklin County Schools Appoints Leigh Jones as Deputy Superintendent

LOUISBURG, N.C. — Franklin County Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Leigh Jones as the district's new Deputy Superintendent.

Jones brings more than 23 years of educational leadership experience spanning the school, district, and executive cabinet levels. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of leadership roles, including Chief Academic Officer, Area Superintendent, Executive Director of Secondary Curriculum, Principal, and Teacher, leading efforts to improve student achievement, strengthen school leadership, and support organizational excellence across North Carolina public schools.

As Deputy Superintendent, Jones will provide strategic leadership for the district's day-to-day operations while partnering closely with Superintendent Dr. Nakia Hardy and the Board of Education to advance the district's vision outlined in Blueprint 2030. She will oversee school leadership, operational alignment, instructional support, and cross-departmental collaboration to ensure every school has the resources and guidance needed to help students succeed.

"Mrs. Jones is a proven educational leader whose experience, integrity, and commitment to students make her an outstanding addition to our executive leadership team," said Dr. Nakia Hardy, Superintendent of Franklin County Schools. "She has spent her career building strong schools, developing leaders, and creating systems that support student success. I am excited to welcome her to Franklin County Schools as we continue building a stronger future together."

Most recently, Jones served as Chief Academic Officer for Lexington City Schools, where she provided executive leadership for curriculum, instruction, assessment, accountability, professional learning, digital learning, and school improvement initiatives. Prior to that role, she served as Area Superintendent for Guilford County Schools, supervising middle and high school principals while coordinating support across academics, technology, exceptional children, student services, safety, and Career and Technical Education.

Jones's leadership foundation also includes serving as principal at both the middle and high school levels, where she led schools recognized for academic growth while cultivating positive school cultures and developing high-performing leadership teams.

"I am honored to join Franklin County Schools and become part of a district that is deeply committed to serving students, families, and the community," said Jones. "I look forward to working alongside Dr. Hardy, our Board of Education, school leaders, teachers, staff, and community partners as we continue building on the district's strong foundation and creating opportunities for every student to thrive."

Jones earned a Master of School Administration and an Education Specialist degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. She is also a North Carolina Principal Fellow and has been recognized throughout her career for excellence in educational leadership, including being named Wells Fargo North Carolina Region 5 Principal of the Year.