New Dallas County school superintendent wants to 'improve on the great things' already happening

Dallas County’s new school superintendent, Dr. Corey Jones, said he wants to improve on the good things already in place.  

“I just want to improve on the great things that are already happening in Dallas County School System,” Jones said. “My philosophy in education is to be a servant leader. I believe in working with the community to improve everything to enhance what is already going on.” 

Jones said, “Right now in education, we have a lot of positive, but of course, there's some negative. And at this point, I would come in and first assess where we are, what needs to improve, and we go from there.”  

Before any changes are made, Jones said the first thing he will do is observe and learn what actually needs to be changed. “I have plans, but before I actually implement those plans, I like to come in and observe and see for myself firsthand,” Jones said. 

In March, the state of Alabama Education Department took over the Dallas County system because of financial issues. Dr. Daniel Boyd, the state’s Chief Administrative Officer in charge of the Dallas County School System, said Jones has a record of getting school systems back on track both in education and finances. 

Jones is currently the superintendent of Greene County School System. Jones said that district had less than a month reserved in cash when he took over. The system had over eight months in the bank as he leaves.  

“That is not done overnight,” Jones said. “That is by everybody working together.”  

Even before Jones takes the helm, he said the community has work to do to improve the system. “This is the first 20 days after Labor Day, which is critical for your funding from the state,” Jones said. “Enrollment determines your finances for your district for the year. So, if you have anyone in the community that is currently living in Dallas County that has students that are school age, please enroll them if they're not already enrolled and make sure they're attending these first 20 days so we can capture that number for our funding.”   

Attendance is a focus across the state, Jones said.  

“Every child, every day. That's my motto,” Jones said.” Make sure you have your child at school every day, and we'll make sure that they receive the best quality education that day.” 

This is year 32 for Jones as an educator. “I come with a lot of experience, but I also come with a lot of desire to improve,” he said. “I just want to improve on what is going on in Dallas County, and I'm sure that we will be able to not only improve the finances but move this district further.” 

Jones said he is optimistic about Dallas County School’s future. “There's no reason that Dallas County should not be one of the premier school districts in the state of Alabama,” Jones said. “That's my goal, and that's my focus.” 

Originally from Hale County, Jones has lived in Valley Grande for the last nine years.  

“I'm a part of the Black Belt. I've been educated in the Black Belt. I've been successful. The majority of my career has been in the Black Belt. So, I want to make sure my legacy is improving the district within the Black Belt,” Jones said.  

He added he knows the challenges of the Black Belt, “and I also know the rewards.” 

Jones said that the whole community must work together. “Everybody needs to work together and make it a better school system,” he said.  

“Every decision that I make in Dallas County will be for the best interest of Dallas County students, Dallas County parents, Dallas County community and the employees of the Dallas County school system,” Jones said. “That's going to be my litmus test.” 

Jones said he will speak with anyone, with or without an appointment. “If you don't have an appointment, you may have to wait a few minutes, but I definitely will see you,” Jones said. 

See an interview with Corey Jones here.