Orange County Schools hires new superintendent. Here’s what we know about NC leader.
A Durham Public Schools administrator and former teacher will lead the roughly 7,000-student Orange County Schools system.
Danielle Jones, assistant superintendent for middle schools for the Durham Public Schools system, will start her new job Feb. 1, the Orange County Board of Education announced Monday.
She will earn $190,000 a year, plus a one-time payment of $3,000 to help with moving expenses, according to her contract.
“After a meticulous review process that included applications from a pool of 26 highly qualified candidates from nine different states and territories, the Board of Education enthusiastically chose Dr. Jones based on her extensive track record of success, her exemplary leadership and her unwavering dedication to students and staff,” board Chair Anne Purcell said. “The board is highly confident that Dr. Jones’ vision and expertise will propel the district into new heights of achievement.”
The district will hold a reception for the new superintendent at the board’s Jan. 8 meeting.
Jones, 47, is a U.S. Air Force veteran who started her career as a middle school teacher in Youngsville, Purcell said. She also worked as a Wake County Public School System teacher before becoming an assistant principal and principal in Franklin County.
In Durham, Jones was a coach and principal supervisor before being promoted to her current role, in which she supervises 12 principals in implementing the district’s strategic plan, Purcell said. Those schools “have consistently made impressive academic gains over time,” she said. All 12 increased proficiency levels in 2023 and half were among the top 20% of N.C. schools for academic growth, she said.
Jones is also the recipient of the 2022 Dr. Sam J. Houston, Jr. Leadership Award from the N.C. School Superintendents’ Association and the Central Office Personnel to Watch award from the N.C. Association for Middle Level Education.
She is a three-time N.C. State University graduate with a doctorate of education in education administration and supervision, a master’s degree in school administration, and a bachelor’s degree in business management.
Jones said in a news release that she is “eager to assume leadership of Orange County Schools.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as superintendent of Orange County Schools and look forward to becoming an active member of the community. I am excited to partner with the board and community to ensure the success and well-being of all students and staff,” Jones said.
Former superintendent left after contract not extended
Jones replaces former Superintendent Monique Felder, who left the district in August after nearly four years when the board did not extend her contract for a third time. The contract was scheduled to expire on June 30, 2025.
Felder and school board members have not said why she left, but a copy of Felder’s personnel agreement provided to The News & Observer said she was leaving voluntarily — and not being terminated — “in the best interest of both parties.”
Felder’s supporters held a “Save Our Superintendent” rally before she left the district and called out four members who had opposed district recommendations in the past year, accusing them of failing to extend Felder’s contract in an attempt to push her out.
Felder’s letter announcing her decision was removed from the district website over the summer, but public records obtained by The N&O showed she got over $200,000 in severance pay and other compensation. A letter from a district attorney obtained by The N&O said the board did not “oust” her or vote on a contract extension.
Veteran educator Jim Merrill has served as interim superintendent while the district searched for a new leader. Merrill has earned $21,500 per month, according to his contract.
This story was originally published December 18, 2023 at 12:48 PM.
