Seattle Public Schools appoint interim superintendent to permanent role

The Seattle Public Schools Board has appointed interim Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones to the permanent role in a 6-1 vote.

Jones’ contract will last two years. He has served in the interim role since May of last year.

Jones took on the role of interim superintendent after outgoing Superintendent Denise Juneau had announced she would not seek a new contract extension, departing in June 2021. Her announcement came after the NAACP and other community leaders called on SPS to terminate her contract in October of 2020.

The group said during her time, Juneau had encouraged racism and sexism throughout the district. Juneau was surprised by the complaints because she was so committed to advancing racial equity.

When Jones was approved by the school board to take on the interim role, President Chandra Hampson had said: “This is a great outcome for SPS students and families. The selection of Dr. Jones brings needed stability and connectivity to Seattle Public Schools during this time of uncertainty and transition.”

“He is an experienced district leader with a proven track record supporting students, community and staff of color, while striving for overall operational excellence. It is a most critical set of skills at this difficult time,” Hampson added.

Jones returned to the district to serve as interim superintendent, as he had been the chief officer of equity, partnerships and engagement before taking a position in 2019 with King County Metro.

As SPS superintendent, Jones is responsible for leading the largest public school district in the Pacific Northwest with more than 52,000 students at 104 schools.

According to The Seattle Times, Jones is the district’s first Black male superintendent in more than 20 years.