RESUME

Peggy Jones’ unwavering devotion to Indian River County’s public schools is grounded in her vast educational experience and expertise, and in her deep awareness of student needs.

She rose from classroom teacher to become a highly regarded high school principal. Now she serves as an elected member of the county’s School Board of which she has served as chairman and vice chairman. In total, she has served 37 years in Indian River county in education while being involved in the community at large. This includes being a mother of three children who attended local public schools in the county. All of this varied experience gives her a valuable perspective as serving on the Indian River School Board.

"For me, being a school board member is far more than sitting in a chair in a public meeting. It is about building a sense of community - attending football games, watching students perform in plays and musical competitions, and helping our schools achieve "A" grades." - Peggy Jones

Education

• Nova Southeastern University – EdD, Educational Leadership, 1998
• Northern Illinois University – M.S., Educational Administration, 1979
• Illinois State University – B.S. English, 1974

Experience

• 37 years experience in the Indian River County School District; a total of 49 years in education.
• Career ladder included being a teacher, Vero Beach High School Dean, Vero Beach Junior High School Assistant Principal, Gifford Middle Six and Gifford Middle School Principal, and Sebastian River High School Principal for 11 years. She also served as the district’s Executive Director of Secondary Schools.
• Served five years with the Florida High School Athletic Association as Assistant Executive Director of Athletics and promoted to Associate Execuitive Director of Administrative Services.
• Worked and volunteered with such groups as the United Way, Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Council, Crossover Mission, Moonshot Community Action Network, Learning Alliance Leadership Committee, St. Helen's Catholic Church, and was on the board of Dasie Hope Center in Wabasso. She served on the Florida School Board Association’s State Legislative Committee, Advocacy Committee, and Federal Legislative Platform Committee.
• As a school board member, has served on the Fellsmere Planning and Zoning Board, the Economic Development Council, Indian River County Value Adjustment Board, NAACP Equity Workgroup and the Executive Roundtable of Indian River County.

Awards and Recognitions

• The "Doctor Peggy Jones Principal’s Award", awarded to the most outstanding senior student at Sebastian River High School, named after Peggy Jones, receives a $1,000 scholarship.
• 2022-2023 Florida Music Educators Association School Board Member of the Year Award
• Outstanding Principal Award for Region 3 in Florida from the Department of Education Award, 1997
• Received the Distinguished Service Award from Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), 2014.
• Selected to attend the Principals’ Center at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, 1998.
• Received Outstanding Principal for Region 3 in Florida from the Department of Education Award, 1997.
• Teacher of the year and finalist at Vero Beach Junior High School, 1985.
• First female high school athletic director for boys and girls sports in the state of Illinois.