The Jackson County Board of Education has approved Dr. Susan Leonard as the new assistant principal at East Jackson Middle School. Dr. Leonard will begin her duties at EJMS this July. 

Dr. Leonard currently serves as the assistant principal of Madison County Middle School, a position she has held since 2023. Leonard's approval at EJMS is a homecoming, as she served as a teacher inside the Jackson County School System and East Jackson Middle from 2013-2017. She was named East Jackson Middle School's Teacher of the Year in 2016.

"I’m incredibly honored to join the team at East Jackson Middle School," Dr. Leonard said. "The relationships and experiences I had while working in Jackson County earlier in my career made a lasting impact on me, so the opportunity to return in a leadership role feels especially meaningful. I look forward to supporting students, partnering with staff and families, and building on the strong work already happening at EJMS."

Leonard holds a Bachelor's Degree in Middle School Education from the University of Georgia, a Master's Degree in Middle School Education and a Specialist Degree in Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development from Walden University, along with a Ph.D. in Educational Theory and Practice from UGA. Leonard also holds a Tier 1 Leadership Certificate from the University of North Georgia.