Former Clay County Teacher Named Superintendent of Woodford County Schools

WOODFORD COUNTY, Ky. — A former Clay County educator has been chosen to lead one of Kentucky’s top-performing school districts.

Dr. Lori Jones, who began her career in education at Clay County Public Schools, was unanimously selected by the Woodford County Board of Education to serve as the district’s next superintendent. Her appointment was finalized during a board meeting on May 19, 2025. She will officially assume the role on July 1, following the retirement of current superintendent Danny Adkins.

Jones launched her teaching career in 2001 as an elementary English Language Arts teacher and later as a high school mathematics teacher in Clay County. Her time in the district laid the foundation for what would become a distinguished path through both K-12 and higher education systems across the Commonwealth.

“Dr. Jones has a wealth of knowledge and experience that will continue to propel Woodford County into the future,” said Adam Brickler, board chair. “Her passion for unifying and empowering others will serve Woodford County well.”

After leaving Clay County, Jones served as a Highly Skilled Educator for the Kentucky Department of Education and later took on leadership roles in Letcher County as a principal and Director of Curriculum & Instruction. Her experience also includes consulting for the Gates Foundation and serving as an Educational Recovery Specialist with KDE.

She transitioned to higher education, serving as Director of Teaching & Learning and Chair of Advanced Programs at the University of the Cumberlands, while continuing as an adjunct professor at Eastern Kentucky University.

Jones holds degrees from Cumberland College, Eastern Kentucky University, and the University of the Cumberlands, where she earned her Doctor of Education.

Now returning to a district leadership role, Jones says she’s eager to build on Woodford County’s strong academic record. “I am excited to continue the longstanding tradition of excellence already established in Woodford County,” she said. “I am looking forward to hearing from community members, families, faculty and staff, and especially from students as we unite to make the WCPS vision come alive.”

She and her husband, Dr. Blake Jones, will be relocating to Woodford County along with their children, Lilah and Jed Hollen, who will attend Woodford County Public Schools this fall.

Jones was selected from a pool of 17 applicants and was one of four finalists for the position.