If the recent display of displeasure at the appointment of the new superintendent of Jones County Schools bothered Dr. Jessica Graves, it was not evident when she took her oath of office last week.
Probate Judge Lewis Patterson did the official swearing in of Graves at a Dec. 1 called meeting of the Board of Education. The ceremony was the only business item on the agenda.
The meeting was called to order by Board Chairman Ginger Bailey, and the oath was given in the presence of all Board of Education members as well as a large contingent of supporters for the incoming superintendent.
In addition to family members who were seated in the first row, several of Graves’ now former colleagues and friends made the trip to add their encouragement.
Graves speaks
After the official act was performed, the new superintendent shared a glimpse into those she has learned from during her career and her educational philosophy for going forward.
Graves said, since the beginning of her career in education 20 years ago, her mission has been the same, to propel the winds of each individual.
“As a woman of faith, I believe everyone is called to serve. We must build a safe and positive learning environment for our students to fulfill their full potential. Our students will be the cornerstone of that community,” she said. “I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the work to strengthen teaching and learning for all students as your next superintendent.”
Graves thanked the Board of Education for their confidence and said she understands that anything less than excellence is unacceptable. She said decisions will be made to move the needle for every child.
Graves added that test numbers do not show the people who have been the biggest assets. “Each individual matters. My most impactful experiences were not captured in numbers. I was taught that relationships are at the crux of everything we do with students,” she said. “If they don’t know you care, they won’t buy in; they won’t learn.”
The superintendent went on to say that she has learned giving feedback is not enough.
“We must show both students and teachers what quality looks like. Seeing is believing.”
Graves said she was shown the importance athletics and extracurricular activities play in the entire child by a friend and former colleague, who was actually in attendance. The coach affirmed the belief that those activities play a critical role in establishing identity and purpose and lead to long-term engagement.
“We have to support the whole child, and every aspect matters in the road to success. I was blessed to have amazing mentors, and I share this to let you know, for me, people matter,” she said. “You will hear me say again and again, teachers make the difference.”
She said staff is split into two categories, teachers and those who support teachers.
The superintendent said the challenge is to know the impact by asking three questions. “What are we doing? Why are we doing it? How will we know we have done it?”
Graves said her servant leadership philosophy is to never ask anyone to do what she is not willing to do herself.
“Together, side by side, we will do the work we agree matters the most. This will be a collaborative effort,” she said.
The superintendent said over the next 100 days she will implement three practices: connect, consider, and commit to the work needed to propel the winds of each individual.
“I chose you, Jones County School System, and I’m committed to long-term success,” she said.
Graves shared her family motto, “Let your life speak.”
“As we move forward in our walk from good to great, I look forward to earning your respect and trust in this most important work of educating our next generation.”
