The Greene County School System has announced Melissa Thomas as its new deputy superintendent of Learning and Support, a key leadership role designed to unify and strengthen the district’s academic and student support services.
As part of a strategic organizational shift, the GCSS is aligning all student- and family- facing services under a single division, Learning and Support, to ensure a more cohesive, responsive, and student-centered approach. This division will oversee curriculum and instruction, special education, English learner services, Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), school counseling, social work, wraparound services, federal programs, and professional learning.
Thomas will serve alongside Deputy Superintendent of Operations Dr. Rotonya Rhodes, who will continue to lead the district’s operations division, including human resources, finance, transportation, facilities, custodial services, and school nutrition. Together, the two deputy superintendents will support a balanced, comprehensive approach to the district's academic and operational needs.
“Melissa Thomas brings a rare combination of instructional expertise, systems thinking, and a deep commitment to the whole child,” said Superintendent Dr. Aaryn Schmuhl. “Her experience leading school improvement efforts, strengthening data practices, and building systems of support for students and educators makes her exceptionally well-suited for this role. As we continue our transition to a competency- based model, her leadership will be instrumental in ensuring every student is supported, challenged, and prepared for success.”
Thomas currently serves as principal at Locust Grove Middle School, where she has led significant gains in student achievement, including measurable growth in literacy and overall school performance. Under her leadership, the school has seen increases in CCRPI scores and has been recognized at the state level for academic growth in both literacy and mathematics.
Before her role as principal, Thomas served as an assistant principal, coordinator of interventions, teacher development coordinator, and assessment and data response facilitator in Henry County Schools.
Across these roles, she has built extensive experience in curriculum development, assessment design, data analysis, and intervention systems. She has led districtwide initiatives related to assessment, MTSS, and professional learning, and has contributed to state-level work through the Georgia Department of Education’s Student Learning Objectives Advisory Council.
Thomas’s work has consistently focused on aligning academic instruction with systems of support to meet the needs of the whole child. She has led efforts to analyze multiple measures of student data, including academics, behavior, and attendance, to drive targeted interventions and improve outcomes for all students.
“I am excited to join Greene County Schools at such an exciting and transformative time,” Thomas said. “I believe deeply in the power of aligning instruction with strong systems of support to ensure every student has what they need to succeed. I look forward to working alongside educators, families, and community partners to build on the district’s strong foundation and continue advancing innovative, student-centered practices.”
Thomas holds an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Georgia College and State University, a Master of Education in Educational Policy from the University of Illinois, and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Kindergarten Education from Pennsylvania State University.
She will begin her new role with the Greene County School System in June.