Special to IFN

Iredell-Statesville Schools announced Monday that Diana Jones, principal at North Iredell High School, has been named chief elementary academic officer for the district.

“Mrs. Jones has been a standout administrator during her tenure in Iredell-Statesville Schools,” Superintendent Jeff James said. “Under her leadership, North Iredell High School exceeded academic growth by 11.92 to be named the first in academic growth in the State of North Carolina. I’m excited to welcome Mrs. Jones to this new role and the impact her leadership will have in our district.”

Jones replaces Jonathan Ribbeck, who resigned this summer after accepting a position with the Mooresville Graded School District. She will assume her new role in mid-September once a new principal has been named for North Iredell.

She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position as she has spent the majority of her career teaching and leading in elementary education. Before becoming the principal at North Iredell High in 2019, Jones served as the principal at Central Elementary in 2013 and as the principal at Courtney Elementary in Yadkin County Schools in 2009. She has served as an assistant principal in Yadkin County and began her teaching career in I-SS at Northview and Ebenezer elementary schools.

Jones has been recognized as the Yadkin County Principal of the Year in 2010 and the I-SS Principal of the Year in 2023. 

She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Concord College and a master’s degree in school administration from Gardner-Webb University. She recently completed the N.C. School Superintendents Association’s Aspiring Superintendents Program.

Jones is excited to take on her new role.

“After spending 20 years of my career in elementary education, it is truly a dream come true to accept the role of chief elementary academic Officer,” she said. “I’m excited to return to my roots and begin this next chapter with gratitude and purpose.”