HENRY COUNTY, Ga. — The Henry County Public School District may soon have a new superintendent.
During a special-called meeting on Monday, the board of education announced its sole finalist to serve as the district's next superintendent.
The five-member board unanimously voted for Dr. John Pace III, who has served as Deputy Superintendent for Miami-Dade County Public Schools in Florida since 2022. In this role, he has assisted the superintendent by overseeing the Office of School Leadership and Performance, the daily operation of 350 traditional K-21 schools and technical colleges serving more than 240,000 students, a release said.
"I am humbled and honored to be considered and selected as a finalist for the Superintendent of Henry County Schools,” Dr. Pace said in a release. “I look forward to working with the students, parents, employees, and community in the continued ‘Pursuit of Exceptional’ in HCS.”
Following a 14-day waiting period required by Georgia law, the board will vote to confirm the appointment and set the start date and contract for the new superintendent of Georgia's 8th-largest school district.
Henry County Board of Education Chair Sophe Pope said that they took in all the input they received from the community and is grateful for those who shared in this process with them.
"Participants in our survey wanted a Superintendent with experience as a principal, teacher, and assistant superintendent. Dr. Pace checks all those boxes," Pope said. "They wanted a leader who promoted vision, culture, and instructional leadership, with a background in operations, resource, and personnel management. He has extensive experience in all those areas. Most importantly, they wanted a leader who is honest and ethical, and I believe Dr. Pace is that person.”
Dr. Pace holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in music/business finance from the University of Miami, a Master of Science degree in music education from Florida International University and a Doctor of Education degree in educational policy, planning, and leadership from The College of William and Mary.
Prior to his current role in Miami-Dade County, Dr. Pace served as Chief Operating Officer of School Operations from 2021 to 2022, Region Superintendent of the Central Region Office from 2017 to 2021 and Administrative Director of the Education Transformation Office in the Division of Academic Support from 2015 to 2017. He has also served in administrative roles at multiple schools, as well as working as a music instructor and band director.
