Dr. Rob Jackson, Superintendent

"As a former student and staff member and as the parent of Buncombe County Schools graduates, I am incredibly honored and excited by the opportunity to serve the children, families, and community of Buncombe County. The academic, artistic, and athletic success of Buncombe County Schools students is a testament to the care and dedication of the teachers, staff, and administrators and of the tremendous partnership with parents and caregivers. I look forward to re-joining this amazing team as together we seek to prepare each and every student for a lifetime of success."

A native of Buncombe County, Dr. Jackson grew up and attended school in Swannanoa. After serving in the United States Navy, he began his career in education as a student data manager and summer custodian as he worked his way through Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and Western Carolina University to earn his degree to become a teacher. Dr. Jackson worked in Buncombe County Schools for nine years, as a classified employee and then an elementary school teacher. Dr. Jackson also has a notable history as a school administrator serving as an assistant principal in Gaston County and as a principal in three schools in Union County. In Union County, Dr. Jackson had the unique honor of serving as the inaugural principal for two different schools, Marvin Elementary School and Cuthbertson High School. In 2014, Dr. Jackson was named Superintendent of Edenton-Chowan Public Schools in eastern North Carolina, a position he held for six years before being named to his current role as Superintendent of Carteret County Public Schools.

Over the past several years, Dr. Jackson has received multiple recognitions for his leadership, including being named the North Carolina High School Athletic Association’s Superintendent of the Year, a Dr. Sam Houston Superintendent Leadership Award recipient, and the Dr. Brad Sneeden Superintendent Leadership Award winner from the North Carolina School Superintendent Association. Dr. Jackson was also honored as the 2011 Wells-Fargo North Carolina State Principal of the Year and as the North Carolina High School Principal of the Year by the North Carolina Principals and Assistant Principals Association.

Dr. Jackson earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of School Administration degrees from Western Carolina University and holds an Education Specialist Degree and Doctor of Education from Wingate University.

Dr. Jennifer Reed, Associate Superintendent

Curriculum & Instruction

"As a former graduate of Buncombe County Schools, it is an honor and privilege for me to serve as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. In this role, my goal is for every BCS student to be more fully prepared for a bright and successful future because of their experience in our school system. Having started my career in BCS as a teacher, I know just how instrumental a strong and consistent classroom experience is for student success. Every student is capable of high levels of learning and together, in partnership with families and the community, with strong teacher relationships at the core, BCS is committed to providing the rich experiences for this learning to take place."

Born and raised in Buncombe County and a product of Buncombe County Schools, Mrs. Reed left for a 4-year period to attend UNC-Chapel Hill for her undergraduate degree. After graduating, she returned to the mountains to give back to the community she loved, and she has lived here ever since.

She soon began teaching 4th grade at Hominy Valley Elementary. While there, she attained National Board Certification. Shortly thereafter, she earned a Masters Degree in Elementary Education and attained her Principal Licensure, both from Western Carolina University. From there, she transitioned into administration serving as Assistant Principal at Glen Arden, Emma and Fairview, instructional coach at Glen Arden and Bell, and then Principal of Fairview Elementary School from 2012 to 2017. She then became the Director of Elementary and Intermediate Education from 2017-2022. 

Ms. Reed has been enrolled in the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership at WCU since June of 2020 and looks forward to graduating in May of 2023. 

Mr. Joseph Hough, Assistant Superintendent

Auxiliary Services & Programs

"Working with schools, staff, students, and community, that’s what I enjoy doing everyday as the Assistant Superintendent for Buncombe County Schools. Our school system is dedicated to creating an atmosphere of high expectations, a safe environment for learning and setting conditions of success for all students. We hope you will get involved not only with your student but with the schools themselves through volunteering and participation in extra-curricular activities." 

Mr. Hough began his career as a Social Studies teacher in Henderson County at Rugby Middle School. After six years in the classroom and coaching basketball and football, he moved into school administration. With his Master's Degree in School Administration from Western Carolina University, he spent the next eleven years as assistant principal at A.C. Reynolds Middle and High Schools. Mr. Hough then took over the duties of Director of Transportation in 2011 where he managed both Buncombe County School’s and Asheville City School’s 291 buses that moved 17,000 students a day over 17,000 miles a day.

He obtained his Educational Specialist Degree and Superintendent License from Appalachian State University and became Assistant Superintendent in 2014. Mr. Hough is also a 32- year retired North Carolina National Guardsmen. He was an engineer officer and has deployed overseas in several humanitarian support missions as well as three deployments in support of the global war on terrorism. Mr. Hough was awarded the Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, and the Order of the Long Leaf Pine for his long military service.

He is a graduate of the Aspiring Superintendent course for the state of North Carolina. He is a distinguished graduate of Gardner-Webb University and he was awarded the Don Chalker Excellence in Education Leadership Award through Western Carolina University. Mr. Hough believes that with his school administration background, his coaching experiences and his military service he will be able to support the schools systems goals. Those goals include providing a high quality education that offers excellent extra-curricular activities in a safe and friendly environment in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.

Jamie Johnson, Assistant Superintendent

Educational Equity and Student Support

"As a graduate of Buncombe County Schools, a parent of graduates and current students in Buncombe County Schools, and a long-time staff member, I could not be more excited to serve in the position of Assistant Superintendent of Educational Equity and Student Support. I am proud to give credit to the Buncombe County School system for equipping me with the knowledge, skills, and relationships needed to open doors to higher education and a meaningful career that allows me the opportunity to give back to future generations. My passion lies in helping students feel connected to their schools and providing an environment where they can have meaningful experiences and build positive relationships with classmates and the adults who serve them."

Dr. Jamie Johnson was born and raised in northern Buncombe County and is a product of Buncombe County Schools. Dr. Johnson received her undergraduate degree from Mars Hill College, where she also played on the women’s basketball team.

She began her teaching career in Buncombe County, where she taught PE, drove a bus, and coached multiple sports. While teaching at Erwin Middle School, Dr. Johnson earned National Board Certification and a Master’s Degree in School Administration.

Her administrative career also began at Erwin Middle School, where she served as an Assistant Principal for four years while earning a Doctorate in School Leadership from Western Carolina University. Dr. Johnson was named Principal at AC Reynolds Middle School in 2012, where she served for five years before transitioning to North Buncombe Middle School, where she was Principal for six years. Dr. Johnson earned BCS Principal of the Year honors during the 2022-23 school year.