Greenville ISD’s Superintendent, Don Jefferies, has announced his plans to retire effective March 1, 2017. Jefferies, who first came to GISD in 2006 as principal of Greenville High School, took the reins of the district’s superintendent in the spring of 2008.  During his service as both principal and superintendent, GISD has experienced growth on many levels through a wealth of innovative programs, building and renovation projects, upgrading of technology, and curriculum development which has empowered our teachers and students.

With a strong focus on creating and growing programs that address the needs and opportunities for all students, Jefferies has led the charge in the development of Greenville High School’s first Project Graduation and the senior students’ beloved Kid’s Day.  The Robotics Program has also experienced some of the most dynamic growth from a single GHS team to a vertically aligned program that encompasses grades 1-12. This growth ultimately led to a state-of-the-art Career and Technology Education Center and the impending STEM elementary school. 

Because of its strong STEM emphasis, GHS was recently awarded the prestigious T-STEM (Texas Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) designation from the state of Texas, which only a few districts can earn. In addition, the implementation of Greenville’s first Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) has flourished under Jefferies’ leadership.  This program has recently been expanded to include grades 7-12.  Music and the arts have also been advanced through the expansion programs like Suzuki Strings, Elementary Honors Choir, and the Summer Art Programs. 

All of these programs support Jefferies’ lifelong endeavor of incorporating Product Oriented Education (P.O.E.).  At the end of the school year, the Spotlight on Engagement event celebrates the accomplishments of these programs, academics, and many others that give our students the opportunity to showcase their talents.

One of Jefferies’ utmost contributions has been the development and implementation of the recent bond, passed in 2014, which has provided Greenville students and teachers with a new Bowie Elementary campus, an impressive Career and Technology Education addition to Greenville High School, increased technology and security as well as improvements to each GISD campus. Other instrumental grants like the Texas Literacy Initiative, ACE (Afterschool Centers on Education), and the High School Redesign and Restructuring Grant Program have helped the district move to the next phase of teacher development and student-focused learning.

Curriculum development has been one of Jefferies’ passions throughout his profession, and he has infused that enthusiasm into almost every aspect of his career.  Jefferies has incorporated systemic curriculum approaches which have included the philosophies of Larry Lezotte, Phil Schlechty, and partnerships with educational entities such as Discovery Education.  

The development and expansion of the GISD Curriculum Department with instructional specialists and literacy coaches as well as campus data analysts and campus instructional coaches have built a support system for teachers throughout the district.  Professional development has been produced based on teacher request and data consideration.  In fact, Jefferies’ Eight-Step Process for data analysis has been used during Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) among classroom teachers and leadership.  Through extensive reviewing of data and focus on best practices in the classroom, teachers have been empowered to create engaging, purposeful lessons.

During Jefferies’ service as GISD Superintendent over the last eight years, he has created a system with layers of leadership designed to empower principals, invest in teacher leaders, and involve the community and students in the educational process. The administrative and organizational changes he has initiated have led the district to earn 30 academic distinctions and 17 financial awards over the past several years.

Prior to Jefferies coming to Greenville ISD, he served as Associate Superintendent in Scottsdale, Arizona, Superintendent of West Orange Cove ISD, and Assistant Superintendent of Mineral Wells ISD. Jefferies was named 2016 Region 8 Superintendent of the Year and was honored previously by Region IV as the TASSB High School Principal of the Year in 1989-90. He was also recognized by TEA in 1978 as an Outstanding Social Studies Teacher.

Jefferies has been married to his wife, Linda, for 43 years. They have four adult children and five grandchildren with whom he plans to spend a great deal of time upon retirement.  Though he will always have strong connections with public education, Jefferies also has a desire to write and continue his lifelong love of history.  Mr. Jefferies stated, “It has been an honor to serve Greenville ISD as your Superintendent.  The progress we have made is a result of teamwork and support from those Board Members that put students first.  I love the students and staff we have in this district.  I have repeatedly stated we have some of the best students in this state!  They deserve the very best we can give them.”