Owensboro, KY - Valerie Jones has been named the principal at Daviess County Middle School. The announcement was made at 3:30 p.m. today prior to a reception to welcome Jones to her new role. She will begin in the position on July 1.
Before joining DCPS in 1995 as a classroom teacher at Daviess County Middle, Jones was a science teacher at Bruce Middle School in Jefferson County. At Daviess County Middle, Jones served as a teacher for four years in seventh-grade science and eighth-grade language arts. During her time in the classroom, she participated as a team leader, member of the Site Based Council and Principal selection committees, a school newspaper sponsor, and an original member of the Renaissance committee. 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 is currently serving as assistant principal at Daviess County Middle School, a position she has held since July 2012. In this role, she has supervised the school’s teaching and learning climate, worked with staff in evaluating and supervising the instructional process, and facilitated student recognition programs and the implementation of school- wide curriculums. Other responsibilities have included establishing guidelines for proper student conduct; planning and organizing school activities; and implementing and supervising special education programs. 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.
Jones graduated from Western Kentucky University in 1998 with a Master of Arts degree in Elementary School Guidance and earned her Rank I in Secondary Guidance from Western Kentucky University in 2001. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Grades Science and Language Arts from the University of Louisville in 1994. She received her School Administration certification from Western Kentucky University in 2009.
In 2006, Jones was named the DCPS Middle School Educator of the Year.
Jones said the following about her selection as the new instructional leader at DCMS, “I am humbled and excited by the continued opportunity to serve the students, teachers, and families of Daviess County Middle School. 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.”
DCPS assistant superintendent for human services Dr. Caleb York said, “From the outset, our goal was to find the best candidate for Daviess County Middle School. 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. 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.”