Valerie Jones has been named the next principal at Daviess County Middle School. Jones, who has been the school’s assistant principal since 2012, will begin her new role on July 1. She will replace Kelly Skeens, who is retiring from the position after 30 years in education.
“I am humbled and excited by the continued opportunity to serve the students, teachers, and families of Daviess County Middle School,” she said. “DCMS has a long tradition of academic excellence. I am honored to lead such a skilled and compassionate staff as we continue our focus on student achievement and growth.”
Jones said her priorities and background support strong leadership in areas of positive relationships, communication, and academic excellence.
“Serving my education career primarily at DCMS has enhanced my understanding of how each member of our Panther family brings valuable assets to our school,” she said. “We have an excellent staff who collaborate to build opportunities for student engagement and content mastery. We will continue to prepare students to be productive citizens and life-long learners.”
Before joining Daviess County Public Schools, Jones was a science teacher at Bruce Middle School in Jefferson County. She joined DCMS in 1995, serving as a teacher for 4 years in 7th-grade science and 8th-grade language arts.
In 2000, Jones began a new role as a Guidance Counselor at the school. Serving in this capacity for 12 years, she was responsible for providing support for students’ academic, social, and mental well-being in the school setting. She collaborated on the design of the school schedule and led school-level intervention programs. She also participated in the DCPS Future Leader Academy.
Jones has served as assistant principal at DCMS since July 2012. Jones has taken an active role in the school’s professional learning communities, student intervention and multi-tiered systems of support, and district-level certified evaluation, technology, and superintendent screening committees.
In 2006, Jones was named the DCPS Middle School Educator of the Year.
DCPS Assistant Superintendent for Human Services Dr. Caleb York said the interview committee used information from the students, staff, and families to identify the characteristics needed in their next school leader.
“Our thorough process identified an outstanding leader who values collaboration and understands the power of teaming with all stakeholders to help each student become the best version of themselves. With the hiring of Valerie Jones, we feel confident that she will continue Daviess County Middle School’s goal of preparing all students to succeed at high levels,” York said. “Valerie is a well-respected educator in our district and will be a great addition to the secondary principal group. She is an experienced instructional leader with a heart for the Daviess County Middle students, families, and staff. She will have a tremendous impact as the next great principal at DCMS.”
