Dr. Rob Jackson, Superintendent

"As a former student and staff member and as the parent of Buncombe County Schools graduates, I am incredibly honored and excited by the opportunity to serve the children, families, and community of Buncombe County . The academic, artistic, and athletic success of Buncombe County Schools students is a testament to the care and dedication of the teachers, staff, and administrators and of the tremendous partnership with parents and caregivers. It is a blessing to be a part of this amazing team as together we seek to prepare each and every student for a lifetime of success."

A native of Buncombe County, Dr. Jackson grew up and attended school in Swannanoa. After serving in the United States Navy, he began his career in education as a student data manager and summer custodian at Charles C. Bell Elementary School as he worked his way through Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and Western Carolina University to earn his degree to become a teacher. Dr. Jackson taught fourth grade at Glen Arden Elementary before serving as an Administrative Intern and Interim Assistant Principal at Sand Hill - Venable Elementary School.

Dr. Jackson served as a principal in three schools in Union County, NC. In Union County, Dr. Jackson had the unique honor of opening two brand-new schools as the inaugural principal for Marvin Elementary School and later Cuthbertson High School. In 2014, Dr. Jackson was named Superintendent of Edenton-Chowan Public Schools in northeastern North Carolina, a position he held for six years before being named as Superintendent of Carteret County Public Schools on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina. He returned home to serve as the Superintendent of Buncombe County Schools in November, 2022.

Over the past several years, Dr. Jackson has received multiple recognitions for his leadership, including being named the North Carolina High School Athletic Association’s Superintendent of the Year, a Dr. Sam Houston Superintendent Leadership Award recipient, and the Dr. Brad Sneeden Superintendent Leadership Award winner from the North Carolina School Superintendent Association. Dr. Jackson was honored as the 2011 Wells-Fargo North Carolina State Principal of the Year, as the North Carolina High School Principal of the Year by the North Carolina Principals and Assistant Principals Association, and as a National Distinguished Principal.

Dr. Jackson earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of School Administration degrees from Western Carolina University and holds an Education Specialist Degree and Doctor of Education from Wingate University. Most recently, Dr. Jackson was inducted into the Honor Roll of Peak Performers by the Western Carolina University College of Education for his "professional achievements and because the professors associated with their discipline believe they are an inspirational role model to our students."

Dr. Jennifer Reed, Associate Superintendent

Curriculum & Instruction

"As a former graduate of Buncombe County Schools, it is an honor and privilege for me to serve as Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. In this role, my goal is for every BCS student to be more fully prepared for a bright and successful future because of their experience in our school system. Having started my career in BCS as a teacher, I know just how instrumental a strong and consistent classroom experience is for student success. Every student is capable of high levels of learning and together, in partnership with families and the community, with strong teacher relationships at the core, BCS is committed to providing the rich experiences for this learning to take place."

Born and raised in Buncombe County and a product of Buncombe County Schools, Dr. Reed left for a 4-year period to attend UNC-Chapel Hill for her undergraduate degree. After graduating, she returned to the mountains to give back to the community she loved, and she has lived here ever since.

She soon began teaching 4th grade at Hominy Valley Elementary. While there, she attained National Board Certification. Shortly thereafter, she earned a Masters Degree in Elementary Education and attained her Principal Licensure, both from Western Carolina University. From there, she transitioned into administration serving as Assistant Principal at Glen Arden, Emma and Fairview, instructional coach at Glen Arden and Bell, and then Principal of Fairview Elementary School from 2012 to 2017. She then became the Director of Elementary and Intermediate Education from 2017-2022. 

Dr. Reed graduated from the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership at WCU in May of 2023. 

Dr. Jamie Johnson, Assistant Superintendent

Educational Equity and Student Support

"As a graduate of Buncombe County Schools, a parent of graduates and current students in Buncombe County Schools, and a long-time staff member, I could not be more excited to serve in the position of Assistant Superintendent of Educational Equity and Student Support. I am proud to give credit to the Buncombe County School system for equipping me with the knowledge, skills, and relationships needed to open doors to higher education and a meaningful career that allows me the opportunity to give back to future generations. My passion lies in helping students feel connected to their schools and providing an environment where they can have meaningful experiences and build positive relationships with classmates and the adults who serve them."

Dr. Jamie Johnson was born and raised in northern Buncombe County and is a product of Buncombe County Schools. Dr. Johnson received her undergraduate degree from Mars Hill College, where she also played on the women’s basketball team.

She began her teaching career in Buncombe County, where she taught PE, drove a bus, and coached multiple sports. While teaching at Erwin Middle School, Dr. Johnson earned National Board Certification and a Master’s Degree in School Administration.

Her administrative career also began at Erwin Middle School, where she served as an Assistant Principal for four years while earning a Doctorate in School Leadership from Western Carolina University. Dr. Johnson was named Principal at AC Reynolds Middle School in 2012, where she served for five years before transitioning to North Buncombe Middle School, where she was Principal for six years. Dr. Johnson earned BCS Principal of the Year honors during the 2022-23 school year.

Assistant Superintendent for Auxiliary Services

This position is currently vacant