Seattle School Superintendent Brent Jones to leave his job this fall

Seattle Superintendent Brent Jones has announced he will leave the district on Sept. 3, according to a news release sent on Monday. This comes just a month after receiving a one-year contract extension to stay through June 2027.

Jones, who has been with Seattle Public Schools since May 2021, initially served as interim superintendent before being appointed to the permanent role.

Prior to his tenure as superintendent, Jones was the district’s chief equity, partnerships, and engagement officer, where he developed strategies to eliminate opportunity gaps and promote racial equity. He has a strong background in strategic planning, community engagement, and educational equity.

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Jones will focus on superintendent search

In a video statement, Jones said, “In my remaining months, I will focus on assisting with the superintendent search, collaborating with the state legislature to advance funding for SPS, presenting a balanced budget for the upcoming year, laying the foundation for the next strategic plan, and leading the successful start to the 2025-26 school year.”

Jones confirmed in an interview on Monday reported in The Seattle Times that he plans to move to California to be with his family. His wife, Dr. Janine Jones, was recently appointed as the Associate Vice Chancellor for graduate affairs at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Dr. Janine Jones is a respected psychologist and academic known for her work in culturally responsive school-based interventions and her commitment to multiculturalism.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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