Athens Reporter

The Jackson County Board of Education has approved the appointment of Ms. Courtney Guess as a new assistant principal at Jackson County High School. Guess will assume her role in the 2025-26 school year.

Currently, Guess is the Behavior Intervention Specialist and Department Chair at Dacula High School, where she has worked since 2015. Before that, she was a teacher and department chair at Grayson High School from 2003 to 2015.

“With a wealth of pedagogical knowledge and a passion for student success, we are thrilled to welcome Courtney Guess to our school community,” JCHS Principal Melissa Gillespie stated. “Her dedication to fostering a supportive learning environment and commitment to educational excellence will undoubtedly inspire both students and staff alike. We look forward to the positive impact she will have as we continue to shape a bright future for our school.”

Guess was named a 2023-24 Gwinnett County Public Schools Teacher of the Year Semifinalist. She resides in Jackson County and sees this position as an opportunity to join her hometown school system.

“The main reason is I am just so impressed with the community, how they have handled the growth and kept their community feel,” Guess remarked. “It is really amazing to watch. It is the fastest growing system in Georgia, and just to keep the community and everyone engaged with so much community pride, who wouldn’t want to be a part of something like that?”

In her new role at Jackson County High School, Guess will collaborate closely with educators on professional development initiatives. She expressed enthusiasm about continuing efforts toward providing top-tier education.

“Jackson County is known for top-tier instruction, and my goal is to go in there and continue that positive school culture, strengthening those academic support systems,” said Guess.

Guess holds several degrees: a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science Education from the University of Georgia; a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Walden University; a Specialist’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Liberty University; and Tier 1 Certification from Mercer University. She is currently pursuing an Educational Doctoral program focused on school improvement at the University of West Georgia.

Guess lives with her husband Marcus and their three children: Brody (19), Ella (17), and Eisley (12).