STAFF REPORT :::
Keith Simmons, the former principal of Griffin High School, has been named superintendent of the Griffin-Spalding County School System.
Simmons’ appointment was announced during a Tuesday afternoon special called meeting of the Spalding County Board of Education.
Simmons is a veteran educator, having served as a teacher, coach, dean of students, assistant principal, principal and chief of staff during his 25-plus year career.
“We were thankful to have such a rich pool of qualified candidates in our superintendent search process,” said Board of Education member Will Doss. “The board unanimously feels that Keith Simmons will be a great leader for our school system. His start date will be March 1, 2021.”
After serving six years as GHS principal, Simmons served five years in Bibb County under Dr. Curtis Jones, the former GSCSS superintendent.
In Bibb County, Simmons served as chief of staff, managing operations and leading the system in serving 33 schools and more than 20,000 students.
GSCSS officials say that as GHS principal, Simmons saw graduation rates increase each year, and that he was committed to providing additional career, technical and agricultural (CTAE) opportunities, as well as a commitment to improving the school’s climate, culture and educational equity.
Simmons also served as a school principal in the Monroe County School System.
He began his career in his hometown of Kissimmee, Fla., and served the first seven years of his career in the greater Orlando, Fla., area.
Simmons holds a Bachelor of Science degree in communications from the University of the Cumberlands in Kentucky, a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Barry University in Florida, a Specialist Degree in Curriculum from Walden University and is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Georgia.
His leadership preparation includes completing the National Superintendents Academy, the AASA Urban Superintendents Academy and the Superintendent Professional Development Program through the Georgia School Superintendents Association.
Simmons also participated in the Public Education Leadership Project at Harvard University, focusing on developing district policies and practices for improving student attendance. He has presented to national, state, and regional audiences on school improvement, strategic planning, organizational management, leadership development, racial equity, stakeholder communication and supporting schools and families during COVID-19.
He is married to Donna, and they have two sons.
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