The torch has been passed in Falls Church City Public Schools, as the successor to retiring Superintendent Lois Berlin was named Thursday morning. Toni Jones, the chief academic officer for Deer Creek Public Schools in Oklahoma, will officially take the post on June 13 and commence her duties on July 1.
“Dr. Jones is a proven, effective, and innovative leader in public education,” school board Chairwoman Joan Sadiska said. “She has the talent and vision to help ensure the quality, collaboration, and results our community expects from our public schools.”
Jones has held a variety of senior leadership positions over 13 years for the 4,000-student Deer Creek, widely recognized as the best public school district in Oklahoma (Falls Church, for the uninitiated, is also small and high-achieving.). Jones has been recognized by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards as a leader who “Promotes Accomplished Teaching.” She is a former elementary teacher, special education teacher, curriculum and technology coordinator.
Jones will meet with staff and members of the community at meetings on April 11 and 12, then sign her contract at the April 12 school board meeting. A video message and letter will introduce Jones to the rest of the Falls Church community, school officials said.
