Leadership

For the past 26 years, Principal  Michelle Jones has spent her career focusing on improving academic achievement for every student, in every classroom, every day! 

Prior to her role as principal of Ginter Park, Michelle served in the capacity of Assistant Principal, teacher, Instructional assistant, and bus driver across various school districts in North Carolina and Virginia.   Michelle earned her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Fayetteville State University and holds a Master’s in Administration and Supervision from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master’s in Special Education from the University of Phoenix.

Ms. Jones is originally from Mocksville, North Carolina, where she graduated from Davie County Public Schools, then went on to attend Fayetteville State University, Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Phoenix.  She currently holds a Bachelors of Science Degree in Elementary and Music Education, a Masters in Special Education, and a Masters of Science Degrees in Administration and Supervision.  

During her tenure as an administrator, Ms. Jones has worked to improve educational outcomes for  children where she maximized her role as principal and dramatically improved student performance transforming a non-accredited school to a fully accredited school in four years.  Michelle also served as principal of Southside Elementary School in Dinwiddie, VA where the school received several titles to include:  Title I Distinguished School, Virginia Board of Education Excellence Award, and the Virginia Board of Education Competence to Excellence Award.  

Ms. Jones is going into her 3rd year as the proud principal of Ginter Park Elementary School, Home of the Gators.  Where the motto is:  Gator Mentality - Attacking what’s in front of you with passion and purpose!!  As principal of Ginter Park, Ms. Jones is most proud of the students and staff who strive everyday to make excellence for academics and behavior the norm. 

When Ms. Jones is outside of her role as administrator and instructional leader, she spends her time as an avid football fan in the fall - Go Seahawks  and a gardener in the spring and summer months.  She has two children of her own, Lauren and Noah whom she loves to spoil and spend time with. 

Mrs. Ray joined Gator Nation 4 years ago as assistant principal.  Her love and enthusiasm for the job exudes through her work with staff, students, parents and community partners every day. 

Prior to joining Ginter Park, Mrs. Ray served in various roles in Chesterfield County public schools over a span of 12 years as a Special Education Coordinator, Literacy Liaison, Summer School Administrator and Teacher. 

Originally from the Philadelphia area, she is an avid Eagles fan and shares that her passion and enthusiasm for life and learning is contagious. 

#GatorNation #GatorMentatlity #PassionNPurpose