Valdosta City Schools is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Samuel Clemons, Jr. as the district’s new Executive Director of Operations. In this role, Dr. Clemons will serve as a member of the Superintendent’s Executive Cabinet, providing strategic leadership and oversight for key operational areas including CTAE, transportation, facilities and maintenance, school nutrition, custodial services, capital improvements, and operational compliance.
Dr. Clemons joins Valdosta City Schools with extensive experience in educational leadership, district operations, and organizational management. Most recently, he has served as Assistant Superintendent of Operations for the Mitchell County School System, where he oversaw transportation, facilities and maintenance, safety, technology, school nutrition, and alternative education operations. In that role, he led strategic planning efforts, operational improvements, district safety initiatives, compliance systems, and cross-departmental collaboration to improve efficiency and accountability across the district.
Prior to his district leadership role, Dr. Clemons served as principal of Pine Grove Middle School in Valdosta, Georgia. During his tenure, he led instructional and operational initiatives that contributed to strong CCRPI performance and high student growth. He also managed a $700,000 Innovation Fund Grant, earned Military Flagship School Award recognition, and supported the school’s achievement of STEM Schoolwide Certification from the Georgia Department of Education. These efforts strengthened instructional resources and enhanced student learning experiences.
“Dr. Clemons brings a unique blend of operational expertise, instructional leadership, and a strong commitment to student success,” said Dr. Craig Lockhart. “His experience leading district operations, combined with his passion for building strong systems and relationships, makes him an excellent fit for this important role as we continue moving Valdosta City Schools forward through Vision, Values, and Victory.”
“I am honored to join Valdosta City Schools as Executive Director of Operations,” said Dr. Clemons. “As a Valdosta native, this opportunity is especially meaningful, and I look forward to serving on Dr. Lockhart’s leadership team in support of the district’s Vision, Values, and Victory framework as we continue advancing excellence for students, staff, and families. Valdosta has long been a community deeply committed to its schools, and I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community that helped shape me. Thank you to the Board of Education, Dr. Lockhart, and district leadership for this opportunity. Go Cats!”
Dr. Clemons earned his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education and also holds degrees from Valdosta State University, Capella University, and the University of West Georgia.
He will replace former Deputy Superintendent Dr. Tret Witherspoon, who was recently named Superintendent of the Thomaston-Upson Schools after seven years of service to Valdosta City Schools as both Deputy Superintendent and principal of J.L. Lomax Elementary School.
“While we are certainly excited to welcome Dr. Clemons to our leadership team, we are also incredibly grateful to Dr. Witherspoon for his years of dedicated service to Valdosta City Schools,” added Dr. Lockhart. “His leadership and commitment to our students, staff, and families have left a lasting impact on our district, and we wish him continued success in his new role.”
Dr. Clemons is expected to officially begin his new role with Valdosta City Schools this summer.