By The Seattle Medium
Today, Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones will step down on September 3, 2025, concluding a tenure that guided the district through pandemic recovery, financial instability, and major equity-focused reforms. According to Dr. Jones, his decision follows months of reflection and discussions with board members, staff, and community leaders, as well as a personal desire to spend more time with his family after years of public service.
“It has been an honor to serve as superintendent of Seattle Public Schools and to give back to the community that shaped me,” Dr. Jones said. “I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made together, and I remain committed to supporting our students, educators, and families during this transition.”
A Seattle native and Franklin High School graduate, Dr. Jones has spent much of his career dedicated to public education and equity. Before becoming superintendent in May 2021, he held key leadership roles within SPS, including assistant superintendent of human resources and chief of equity, partnerships, and engagement. His leadership was defined by a focus on student achievement, financial stability, and strengthening school-community relationships.
During his tenure, Dr. Jones led several key initiatives that reshaped SPS, ensuring students had the resources and support needed to thrive.
Under his leadership, SPS achieved accelerated academic recovery, with students improving at a significantly faster rate than their peers across Washington state. The district also exceeded its five-year goals for increasing the number of students graduating on time while completing advanced coursework, achieving nearly double-digit gains across key student groups.
Dr. Jones also played a critical role in securing citywide support for public education, earning record voter approval for two major education levies. In February, the Education Programs and Operations levy received 82% voter support, while the Building Excellence VI levy was approved by nearly 76% of voters. These measures secured crucial funding for school operations, staffing, and infrastructure improvements, strengthening the district’s long-term fiscal health.
His leadership was deeply rooted in equity and inclusion, implementing policies that closed opportunity gaps and ensured all students—regardless of background—had access to high-quality learning environments. One of his most impactful initiatives was the African American Male Achievement
(AAMA) program, a groundbreaking effort aimed at improving outcomes for Black male students through targeted support and systemic change.
Recognizing the long-term impacts of the pandemic on students, Dr. Jones expanded mental health resources and counseling services throughout the district, ensuring that emotional and social support systems were strengthened across SPS schools. His commitment to student well-being became a cornerstone of his leadership, prioritizing a holistic approach to education that addressed both academic and emotional needs.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Jones built strong partnerships with local businesses, universities, and nonprofit organizations, fostering career pathways, mentorship programs, and expanded student learning opportunities. These collaborations helped bridge the gap between school and the workforce, offering students new avenues for success beyond high school.
Navigating the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic was another defining challenge of his tenure. He led SPS through the transition from remote to in-person learning, balancing safety with educational needs. His measured approach helped stabilize the district during a time of immense uncertainty, ensuring that students, teachers, and families had the support they needed to move forward.
Perhaps one of the most difficult challenges Dr. Jones faced was addressing SPS’ ongoing financial instability. For many years—including some before his tenure as superintendent—the district had been grappling with persistent budget deficits, largely due to state underfunding and declining enrollment. Over the past three years, he closed three consecutive $100 million deficits, carefully balancing budget cuts while minimizing disruptions to classrooms. His strategic financial leadership helped the district maintain core programs and avoid drastic reductions in essential services.
Seattle Public Schools Board President Gina Topp praised Dr. Jones for his steady and thoughtful leadership.
“On behalf of the Seattle School Board, I want to express my gratitude for Dr. Jones’ steady and compassionate leadership,” Topp said. “His focus on uplifting students—whether by expanding academic supports, strengthening mental health resources, or ensuring every child has access to the opportunities they deserve—has made a meaningful difference in our schools. His dedication to equity has helped us better serve students who need it most, and his thoughtful approach to leadership has left a lasting impact.”
The school board has announced that a formal search process for the next superintendent will begin in the coming weeks. Dr. Jones has pledged to assist with the transition, working closely with the board to
ensure a smooth leadership handoff. In addition to preparing for the change in leadership, he will focus on securing additional state funding for SPS, finalizing a balanced budget for the upcoming year, and laying the groundwork for the district’s next strategic plan.
Lisa Chick, president of the Alliance for Education, emphasized the importance of Dr. Jones’ leadership, especially during difficult times.
“We deeply appreciate Dr. Jones’ unwavering commitment to Seattle Public Schools,” Chick said. “Under his leadership, the district has navigated unprecedented and challenging times. As we transition to new leadership, we remain steadfast in our commitment to prioritizing student needs and achievement.”
Dr. Jones’ departure marks the end of a transformative era for SPS—one that saw major progress in academic achievement, financial stability, and equity-driven reforms. His leadership leaves a lasting legacy, and as he steps away from his role, he does so with a deep commitment to ensuring that the district continues moving forward.
Reflecting on his tenure, Dr. Jones expressed confidence in SPS’ future.
“Our students, families, and educators are resilient, and I know that SPS will continue to thrive,” he said. “Together, we have built a strong foundation for the future, and I look forward to seeing what’s next for this incredible community.”
The school board is expected to release further details on the superintendent search process in the coming weeks.
Source: Seattle Medium
