THOMASVILLE — The Thomas County Schools are starting the second semester with changes in leadership at some of its schools.

Jamie Thompson has been named principal at Thomas County Central High School, replacing Trista Jones. Jones, who had been principal since 2015, retired. 

“Mrs. Jones has devoted 30 years of her life to our students and system,” schools Superintendent Dr. Lisa Williams wrote in an announcement to system employees. “She will always be a cherished member of our Yellow Jacket family. We congratulate Mrs. Jones on her retirement and thank her for her many years of service to our system.”

Thompson had been principal at Cross Creek Elementary, and Ashley Lane has been appointed to take his place there.

“They are both excellent leaders who will continue to help our system flourish and excel in their new positions,” Dr. Williams said in her announcement to system employees.

Thompson transferred from principal at Cross Creek Elementary to serving as Thomas County Central High School’s principal. He has been principal at Cross Creek since 2019. 

Before going to Cross Creek, Thomspon served as principal of Thomas County Middle School for three years. Thompson has served in the Thomas County School System since 2003 as a high school English teacher, as a counselor, assistant principal, and principal. 

“I am excited to return to Thomas County Central High School.” Thompson said. “It is humbling to be given the opportunity and responsibility of serving as principal at this exceptional high school. I hope to continue the outstanding work that Mrs. Trista Jones has been doing for our students, our parents and our community. I want to thank Dr. Williams and the Thomas County School Board for this opportunity.” 

Lane transferred from assistant principal at Garrison-Pilcher to principal at Cross Creek Elementary. Lane has served in the Thomas County School system since 2002.  

Before becoming assistant principal at Garrison-Pilcher Elementary, she served as assistant principal at Cross Creek. Most of her career was spent at Garrison-Pilcher where she served as a teacher and instructional technology specialist until 2017 when she was promoted to assistant principal at Cross Creek.

Jones started her 30-year career in education as a French teacher and served as an assistant principal at TCCHS before becoming principal in 2015.