The Carroll County Board of Education has named Dr. Jessica M. Ainsworth as the sole finalist to serve as the next superintendent of Carroll County Schools. The announcement follows the news of Superintendent Scott Cowart’s retirement after 16 years of leadership in the district.
The Board reached a consensus that Ainsworth is the best leader to build upon the district’s current direction and its mission to ensure every student graduates enrolled, employed, enlisted, and engaged.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to be named the sole finalist for a school system that is not just my professional home, but a community I care for deeply,” Ainsworth said. “I am committed to continuing our pursuit of premier experiences and ensuring that Carroll County remains a place where we positively change the lives of our students and staff every single day.”
A Proven Leader for Carroll County
Ainsworth currently serves as the Associate Superintendent of School Performance for Carroll County Schools, where she works in direct partnership with Superintendent Cowart to lead the district’s operational and educational needs. During her tenure, she has:
- Managed significant growth: Supported the oversight of the district budgets totaling over $242 million and directly led more than $50 million in local, state, and federal funding initiatives.
- Driven academic excellence: Coordinated system processes that resulted in a 97 percent district-wide graduation rate and spearheaded strategic academic initiatives to accelerate student achievement.
- Expanded Student Opportunities: Launched programs, such as Go West Early, to increase high school students’ access to college-level experiences, and championed the successful effort for 100 percent of Carroll County Schools campuses to achieve National STEM Certification.
Board Chairman Kerry Miller praised Ainsworth’s readiness for the role.
“Dr. Ainsworth is a brilliant educator who understands the complexity of our system,” Miller said. “Her commitment to excellence, equity, and our 24STRONG culture positions her to lead us forward so every child in our five clusters is empowered to thrive.”
Extensive Experience and Recognition
Ainsworth’s 23 years of experience began as a special education teacher at Villa Rica High School, and includes service as an assistant principal, principal, and Director of Assessment in the Douglas County School System. She returned to Carroll County in June of 2019 to serve as Assistant Superintendent of School Performance and was elevated to associate superintendent in May 2024.
Ainsworth is a highly decorated administrator, notably as the 2015 National Assistant Principal of the Year, an honor given by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Most recently she led Carroll County Schools’ efforts to earn the Cognia System of Distinction award in 2025. Carroll County was one of only 11 systems in the world so honored last year.
Ainsworth holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University, a master’s degree from the University of West Georgia, a specialist degree from Jacksonville State University, and two certificates in leadership and a Doctor of Education degree in School Improvement, also from UWG. She is active in the community, serving on the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee and the University of West Georgia Alumni Board and is a past president of Carrollton Dawnbreakers Rotary Club.
Next Steps
By Georgia law, the board must wait at least 14 days following the announcement of a finalist before taking a final vote to officially appoint the new superintendent. The Board plans to hold this final vote at a future scheduled meeting, with the new superintendent expected to begin work following Cowart’s retirement in June 2026.
Carroll County Schools is a premier school system serving over 16,300 students across 23 schools and five clusters: Bowdon, Central, Mt. Zion, Temple, and Villa Rica. The district is recognized nationally for its STEM certification and commitment to future-focused learning.
