New Jones County superintendent outlines centralized enrollment, tuition policy and "Spark Academy"

Dr. Jessica Grace, the new superintendent of the Jones County school system, introduced herself to the Board of Commissioners on March 17 and outlined three entry priorities: connect, consider and commit.

Grace said the district has started centralized enrollment at the district office to “streamline” record checks tied to attendance, behavior and discipline and to ensure officials know “who’s in our spaces across our schools.” She said a nonresident tuition policy that will go to the school board for a future vote would allow nonresidents to attend Jones County schools only if approved by a school choice committee and if permanent space exists. “There will be a $2,500 a year required tuition per child,” Grace said, describing a review process that would consider academic achievement, behavior and mental-health background.

Grace also described an academic initiative called Spark Academy, a cohort pathway launched at both middle schools that she said will “hit above grade-level expectations” for students who apply, embed leadership skills and create service-learning hours. “We’re making sure we’re building our students’ capacity to give back to this community,” she said.

Commissioners and attendees praised district communication and urged stronger ties with regional employers, college-career pathways and the Chamber of Commerce to expand internship and job opportunities for students who may work outside the county but live in Jones County. Grace asked for continued input from community stakeholders and said she will “show up” for requests from the board and residents.

The superintendent’s remarks were introductory; staff said formal policies such as the nonresident tuition procedure will appear on upcoming school-board agendas for consideration and vote.