White County Schools Names Jill Baughman Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning

The White County Board of Education has announced the appointment of Jill Baughman as the new Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning for the White County School System.

Baughman brings more than two decades of experience in education, with a strong background in instructional leadership, federal program management, and school administration. She currently serves as the district’s Director of Federal Programs, a role she has held since July 2023.

In that position, she has provided district-level leadership for federal and state initiatives including Title I, II, III, and IV programs while overseeing ESOL services and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. Her responsibilities have also included managing multi-million-dollar program budgets, leading the district’s Comprehensive Needs Assessment, and helping develop the District Improvement Plan.

Superintendent Dr. Laurie Burkett praised Baughman’s leadership and commitment to students.

“I am incredibly proud of Jill and the dedication, leadership, and heart she brings to our school system every day,” Burkett said. “She has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to students, staff, and our community. I have no doubt she will continue outstanding work as Assistant Superintendent.”

Dr. Jonathan Stribling, Assistant Superintendent for White County Schools, also highlighted Baughman’s experience across multiple levels of education.

“Her experience as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, and district leader makes her uniquely qualified to guide teaching and learning initiatives that support every student in White County,” Stribling said.

Before moving into district leadership, Baughman served for ten years as principal of Mount Yonah Elementary School from 2013 to 2023. During her tenure, the school earned a Five-Star CCRPI School Climate rating multiple years and implemented successful initiatives focused on improving student achievement through data-driven instruction and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.

Earlier in her career, she served as assistant principal at Demorest Elementary School in Habersham County and taught English Language Arts at both White County Middle School and Chestatee Middle School in Hall County.

Baughman holds an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University and both a master’s degree and bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Education from the University of North Georgia.

In her new role, she will oversee district initiatives related to curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional learning, and continuous improvement efforts across all schools.

“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve the students, staff, and families of White County,” Baughman said. “I look forward to continuing to work alongside our talented educators and leaders to ensure every student receives an exceptional educational experience.”

Baughman will begin her new role on April 1, 2026.