The Jackson County Board of Education announced the hiring of Dr. Tony Tipton as interim superintendent at their monthly meeting on July 28. A 35-year veteran of public education, Tipton will assume the role currently held by Dr. Kimberly Elliott who will retire on September 1.
“I have worked with Dr. Tipton on the regional superintendents’ council, and he has always demonstrated caring leadership,” Elliott said.
Board Chairperson Ali Large said experience was an important factor in choosing Tipton. “He has been a fifth grade teacher, a middle school teacher, a high school teacher, an assistant principal, and a principal,” Large said. “We are excited for him to bring that experience to Jackson County Public Schools.”
Tipton, a former Region 8 Superintendent of the Year, retired in 2019 after nearly eight years as Superintendent of Yancey County Schools.
“Jackson County Schools has a well-respected reputation across western North Carolina, and I am pleased to be part of this hard-working team,” Tipton said. “While the upcoming year will be anything but normal, we will be committed to providing the best and safest instruction possible for students and staff.”
Tipton and his wife Barbara have been married for 41 years. They have three children and two grandchildren.
