Brent Jones, Ph.D.

Brent Jones, Ph.D., is the current Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools, having officially taken on the role in March 2022 after serving as the interim superintendent since April 2021. He is notable for being the first Black male superintendent in over two decades for the district and has a strong commitment to improving educational outcomes, particularly for marginalized groups.245

Professional Background

Dr. Jones has an extensive career in education and public service, with over 20 years of experience. His previous roles include:

• Chief Equity, Partnerships, and Engagement Officer at Seattle Public Schools (November 2018 - June 2019), where he focused on eliminating opportunity gaps within the district.
• Assistant General Manager - Strategy & Partnerships at King County Metro Transit (July 2019 - April 2021).
• Various leadership positions within Seattle Public Schools, including Chief Strategy & Partnerships Officer and Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.13

Education

Dr. Jones holds a Ph.D. in Leadership from The University of Texas at Austin and has also completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Washington. His educational background supports his focus on strategic planning and community engagement within the school system.14

Leadership Style and Vision

Known for his thoughtful and approachable leadership style, Dr. Jones emphasizes the importance of community engagement and understanding the unique needs of families within Seattle Public Schools. He aims to create an inclusive environment where all students can thrive academically and socially.34 His leadership is characterized by a focus on equity and a commitment to addressing systemic challenges faced by students of color, particularly Black boys.45

Dr. Jones's leadership comes at a critical time as Seattle Public Schools navigates challenges such as budget shortfalls and enrollment declines while striving to improve educational outcomes for its diverse student body.56