Former Clayton High Principal To Lead Roanoke Rapids School District

ROANOKE RAPIDS, N.C. – A longtime Johnston County educator and former Clayton High School principal has been selected to lead a school district in eastern North Carolina.

The Roanoke Rapids Graded School District Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Dr. Bennett Jones as the district’s next superintendent. Jones will officially assume the role June 1.

Jones is well known in Johnston County Public Schools, where he spent much of his 25-year career as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, and principal. He served the final 6 1⁄2 years of his K-12 career as principal at Clayton High School and previously worked as assistant principal at South Johnston High School from 2012 to 2016.

Before moving into school administration, Jones taught and coached for 15 years at Clayton High, West Johnston, and Wilson Beddingfield high schools.

Jones currently serves as director of the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program, a position he has held since November 2022. Under his leadership, the program has grown to 940 active fellows across 10 colleges and universities — the highest participation level since the program was reinstated in 2017.

In announcing the hire, Roanoke Rapids school officials cited Jones’ experience building collaborative learning environments and promoting continuous improvement for students and staff.

“We are confident that Dr. Jones is the right person to lead our district forward,” said Dr. Mike Williams, chair of the RRGSD Board of Trustees. “Throughout the selection process, it was clear that he not only understands the importance of strong systems and high expectations, but also recognizes the importance of relationships within a school community.”

During his time at Clayton High, Jones oversaw several major improvement projects on campus. School officials said he helped secure a $250,000 NFL grant for stadium improvements and played a key role in implementing a joint-use agreement between the Town of Clayton and the school.

Jones was named Johnston County Public Schools Principal of the Year in 2017 and has presented at state and national conferences on school turnaround efforts and innovation in education.

In a statement released by the district, Jones said he looks forward to building relationships within the Roanoke Rapids community.

“I am excited and honored to have been chosen to lead in the Roanoke Rapids community as the superintendent of the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District,” Jones said. “The rich history of the schools is a source of community pride, and I look forward to working with the staff, students, families, and community to enhance our strengths while providing opportunities for each student to succeed.”

Jones earned his doctorate in education administration and supervision from North Carolina State University in 2019. He also received a Master’s in School Administration from N.C. State and a Bachelor of Arts in Exercise and Sport Science with a minor in Psychology from East Carolina University.

Outside of education, Jones remains active in the Johnston County community. He currently serves on the Johnston County Board of Adjustments and is involved with several civic organizations, including Clayton Rotary, Granite Masonic Lodge 191, and the Sudan Shrine.

Jones and his wife, Jennifer, have been married 26 years. Their daughter, Sydney, is a graduating senior at UNC-Chapel Hill, and their son, Carson, is a high school senior.

Dr. Tom Daly will continue serving as interim superintendent during the leadership transition.