SARASOTA – Veteran human resources professional Michael Jones has joined Sarasota County Schools as executive director of human resources and labor relations. Jones is a veteran of school district and corporate human resources departments. His public sector positions include director of human resources for Rockford Public Schools in Rockford, Ill., and the Seattle Public Schools. He also served as superintendent of the East Valley School District in Spokane, Wash., and the Port Huron Area School District in Port Huron, Mich.
Jones’ corporate experience includes positions with Pillsbury, Honeywell and Tektronix. He holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree from Emporia State University, Kansas, and a Juris Doctorate from Northwestern Law School in Chicago.
“Michael brings a depth of expertise to Sarasota County Schools,” said Gary Norris, superintendent. “We are pleased that he is here to help us continue to attract and retain the highest quality teachers, administrators and support staff for the students and families we serve.”
Jones said he already is enjoying working in Sarasota County. “The people I’ve met here have first and foremost the well-being of children in mind,” said Jones. “We want to provide the leadership and the environment to continue to make that a priority. That includes closing the achievement gap where it exists, and doing it with urgency.”
He adds that his experience “dropping out, then catching up” with his education and his time spent teaching in a community college have given him empathy for students and the teachers who serve them.
A devoted fisherman and avid reader, Jones particularly enjoys biographies and has a collection of books about Thomas Jefferson. “I prefer non-fiction to fiction,” Jones said, adding that he likes to read true stories of great Americans who have promoted and benefited from education.
“Thanks in large part to our system of public education for everyone, we are unique even among free countries,” said Jones. “If you want to improve yourself, this is the greatest place in the world to do it.”