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Cumberland County Schools will soon have a new superintendent, but the face will be a familiar one as the school system will experience a leadership change moving into the next school year.

The Cumberland County School Board selected Dr. Donald C. “Chip” Jones to be the new superintendent beginning July 1, 2020 after current superintendent Dr. Amy Griffin announced plans to retire at the end of the school year. Jones currently serves as the assistant superintendent. The moves were made during Thursday’s school board meeting.

Griffin said in a statement from the school system that she was pleased Jones will be following in her footsteps.

“I am excited that the board has decided to appoint Dr. Jones as the next superintendent of Cumberland County Public Schools,” Griffin was quoted as saying in the statement. “There is no other person that I trust more to take the helm and move the division forward. He is dedicated to the children of Cumberland County and will put them above all else in decision making. I look forward to witnessing all the great things to come under his leadership.”

Jones has spent 22 years in education. He has an associate degree from Southside Community College, a Bachelor of Science degree and a Masters of Science degree from Longwood University and a doctorate from Virginia Commonwealth University. In addition to serving as the assistant superintendent, Jones has been an assistant principal and principal in Cumberland County as well as the director of finance and operations.

Griffin has been in education for 31 years and has been an administrator at Cumberland County Public Schools the past 17 years, serving as superintendent the past 10 years.

“It has been a privilege and honor to serve as superintendent, central office administrator and elementary principal at Cumberland County Public Schools throughout the last 17 years. It has been the most rewarding experience of my professional life,” Griffin said in the release.

Griffin said she is confident this is the time for her to pass the baton of leadership to Jones.

“I never really thought I would be one to retire; however, I was told by a mentor long ago that you will know when it is time. Professionally and personally, I know it is time,” Griffin said. “This decision is bittersweet and not easy for me. However, the stars are aligned. We have an excellent, dedicated, and knowledgeable administrative team currently in place to lead the division forward. We have faculty and staff who are committed to providing access and opportunities for all children. And personally, there are things I need to take time to do with my family.”