TAPPAHANNOCK, Va., June 11, 2025 — Essex County Public Schools in Virginia named Marvin Jones, Ed.D., as its new Superintendent of Schools, with his tenure beginning July 1, 2025. The Essex County School Board approved the appointment on June 10, marking the next chapter for Jones, who retires from Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) in Maryland on June 30 after 25 years of service. Jones, currently CCPS Chief of Schools, brings a wealth of experience from a 33-year career in education.
Jones reflected on his departure from CCPS with a mix of gratitude and anticipation. “Moving on from Charles County Public Schools is such a bittersweet decision, my having had such a long and fulfilling experience here, but as difficult as it is to leave, I am just as excited about the next phase of my career. I look forward to the opportunity to impact so many children and families in Virginia, just as I have in Maryland all these years,” he said. His career, rooted in a commitment to student success, began in 1992 as a special education teacher in Prince George’s County Public Schools.
Joining CCPS in 2000 as vice principal at Arthur Middleton Elementary School, Jones quickly established himself as a dedicated leader. He served as principal at Dr. Gustavus Brown Elementary School starting in 2006 and later at Berry Elementary School. By 2013, he was appointed CCPS Executive Director of Schools, stepping into interim principal roles during pivotal moments, such as the 2015 opening of St. Charles High School and the 2017-18 leadership transition at Benjamin Stoddert Middle School. Since 2022, as Chief of Schools, Jones has overseen all CCPS schools, extracurricular programs, and key departments, including School Safety and Security and Community Engagement and Equity.
Jones’s leadership extends beyond administration. He has spearheaded professional development for principals, served on committees for teacher recruitment and the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, and led contract negotiations with the Education Association of Charles County since 2021, securing agreements that supported educators. His efforts earned him the 2018 James E. Richmond Excellence in Leadership Award from CCPS and a 2019 feature in African American Pride Magazine for advancing educational equity. “It has always been my desire to grow the potential of others, from the youngest of learners to the brightest of teachers, to our most skilled and expert principals and leaders. Ensuring that children receive the very best service we have to offer is non-negotiable; this work is not what we do, it is who we are; sentiments I truly believe and have tried to model throughout my career,” Jones said.
In Essex County, Jones will lead a district of about 1,200 students across four schools, facing challenges like academic improvement and resource allocation. His experience in Charles County, managing 37 schools and 27,000 students, equips him to address these issues. Jones’s work on equity and community engagement in Maryland, including partnerships with families and local organizations, will likely shape his approach in Virginia.
Charles County feels the weight of Jones’s departure. His contributions, from enhancing school safety to implementing state education reforms, have left a lasting mark. CCPS now faces the task of replacing a leader who shaped its culture and policies. Meanwhile, Essex County gains a seasoned educator poised to drive progress in a rural district.
Jones’s transition reflects his lifelong dedication to education. His ability to navigate complex challenges, from budget constraints to leadership transitions, positions him to make a meaningful impact in Essex County. As he prepares to leave CCPS on June 30, the community celebrates his legacy while looking forward to his future contributions in Virginia.
