Board approval & start date
The Middlesboro Board of Education approved a two-year contract for veteran educator William “Bill” Jones at a special meeting on June 5, 2025. His appointment took effect July 1, making him the district’s first full-time leader since Waylon Allen retired earlier this year.
Dr. Jamie Johnson, who guided the district from February through June as interim superintendent, has returned to her previous administration duties.
A half-century of service
| Military leadership (1973 – 1993) | 20 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as First Sergeant and later serving as Senior Military Instructor for ROTC at Carson-Newman University. |
| Educational leadership (1993 – present) | 30+ years in public education, including 12 years as principal of Middlesboro Middle School, four years as district athletic director, and the launch of the Army JROTC program at Middlesboro High School. |
| Innovation & culture | Pioneered STEAM integration, supervised more than 100 staff members, and coached multiple varsity sports. |
A 1973 graduate of Middlesboro High School.
Superintendent Jones’s message to the community
“I am honored and energized to lead Middlesboro Independent Schools. Every decision will put students first, opening multiple pathways to success and empowering each child to choose the route that best fits their goals. Whether our graduates head to college, the skilled trades, or the workforce, we want them ready to thrive and to give back to this community. Serving our students, teachers, staff, and families is both a privilege and a responsibility.”
— Bill Jones, Superintendent
About the district
Middlesboro Independent Schools serves a little under 1,100 students across five campuses in Bell County, Kentucky.
