Henry County Board of Education Approves Appointment of Dr. John Pace III as New Superintendent
HENRY COUNTY, GA – The Henry County Board of Education approved the appointment of Dr. John Pace III as the new Superintendent of Henry County Schools at a special called board meeting on Aug. 6. Tuesday’s unanimous vote followed the 14-day waiting period required by Georgia law.
“I am humbled and grateful to be selected as the Superintendent of Henry County Schools,” Dr. Pace said. “I thank the Board of Education for this opportunity and look forward to providing servant leadership as we work together ‘In Pursuit of Exceptional’ for all students.”
Dr. Pace will begin his official duties as the new Superintendent of Henry County Schools on Tuesday, Sept. 3. His appointment followed a thorough and extensive search process that began in February.
Guided by a commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement, the five-member board welcomed community input via an online survey and provided regular updates during board meetings as well as on the district’s website.
Working with the Georgia School Boards Association to conduct the nationwide search, the board was diligent in identifying a candidate who embodies the values the community prioritizes, including ethical leadership and experience as a principal, a teacher, and an assistant superintendent.
During a special called meeting on July 22, the board unanimously voted for Dr. Pace as the sole finalist to serve as the district’s next Superintendent.
“I thank our community for its incredible partnership with our board throughout the search for the next Superintendent of Henry County Schools,” said Board Chair Sophe Pope (Dist. 4). “The board is so grateful to be a part of a community with a shared conviction around doing what is best for our students. Our community members expressed what they wanted in a superintendent, and I am pleased to say Dr. Pace checks all the boxes. I truly believe he is the right choice for this district, and I am honored and excited to support him as our next Superintendent.”
“As a member of Georgia's reigning Governance Team of the Year, I am honored to welcome Dr. John Pace III to Henry County Schools,” added Board Vice Chair Annette Edwards (Dist. 2). “He comes with a wealth of experience to lead this district, and it has been an honor to serve with this board through the search process. His appointment represents an exciting new chapter in our continued ‘Pursuit of Exceptional’ for each and every one of our students and employees.”
Dr. Pace holds a Doctor of Education degree in educational policy, planning, and leadership from The College of William and Mary, as well as a Master of Science degree in music education from Florida International University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in music/business finance from the University of Miami.
His extensive background in educational leadership was cultivated at Miami-Dade County Public Schools, where he has spent his entire 25-year career in public education and served most recently as Deputy Superintendent. Miami-Dade County Public Schools is the third-largest school district in the U.S. and an A-rated school district for five consecutive years.
Dr. Pace previously served as Chief Operating Officer of School Operations (2021-2022), Region Superintendent of the Central Region Office (2017-2021), and Administrative Director of the Education Transformation Office in the Division of Academic Support (2015-2017).
His district-level administrator roles were preceded by more than a decade in school-level leadership, including as principal of Myrtle Grove K-8 Center (2011-2015), assistant principal of Norland Elementary School (2007-2011), and school administrator for the William H. Turner Technical Adult Center (2007-2011).
Prior to that, he spent seven years in the classroom as a music instructor, jazz band director, and co-concert and marching band director for Miami Norland Senior High School.
“The Board of Education welcomes Dr. Pace to Henry County Schools,” said Board Member Dr. Pam Nutt (Dist. 1). “We eagerly anticipate his contributions to our mission and vision of ensuring a high-quality, world-class education for every student and empowering all students with exceptional opportunities and access that lead to success in a global society.”
“It was an honor getting to know Dr. Pace during the superintendent search process,” added Board Member Holly Cobb (Dist. 3). “I’m excited to welcome him to Henry County Schools and to our district’s leadership team. I am confident his more than 25 years of experience will be of great value to our students, teachers, staff, and the entire Henry County community.”
“It was an honor and a pleasure to be a part of a comprehensive process to select the next Superintendent of Henry County Schools,” said Board Member Makenzie McDaniel (Dist. 5). “Dr. Pace is a teacher’s teacher. He brings a plethora of knowledge and experience that will propel this district forward, and I am honored to support him as the next Superintendent of Henry County Schools.”
HCS hosted a meet and greet on Aug. 5, providing an opportunity for the community to engage with Dr. Pace and gain insight into his vision for the district.
About Henry County Schools
Henry County Schools (HCS) is the eighth-largest school district in Georgia, consisting of 53 schools and located about 20 minutes south of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Over the past two decades, our community has grown in population from 113,000 residents to over 244,000 residents. Since 1999, student enrollment has grown from 21,000 to 43,000 students, and our number of employees has grown from 3,000 to 6,000.
HCS is “In Pursuit of Exceptional,” taking action to advance opportunities, access, and outcomes so that every student in our school district has Exceptional Support, Exceptional Access, and an Exceptional Future. In 2020, our Board of Education adopted our 2021-2026 Community-Inspired Strategic Plan and laid out a clear vision and mission for Henry County Schools. Our vision is to ensure a high-quality, world-class education for every student, and our mission is to empower all students with exceptional opportunities and access that lead to success in a global society.
###
