CLEVELAND, Ga. — The White County Board of Education has named Dr. Jonathan Stribling as the sole finalist for superintendent of White County Schools, following a months-long search for the district’s next leader.
Stribling currently serves as assistant superintendent and is set to succeed Dr. Laurie Burkett as White County Schools’ top administrator when she retires on April 1. Burkett has served as the county school superintendent since 2018.
Full circle
Stribling’s path to the superintendent’s office comes full circle in White County. He began his education career as an agriculture teacher in Stephens County, then spent six years teaching agriculture at White County High School. From 2010 to 2024, he served as assistant principal and principal at Habersham Central High School before returning to White County Schools in 2024 as assistant superintendent.
In his current role, Dr. Stribling oversees a wide range of district operations, including the school system’s nutrition program, technology operations, nursing program, mental health and social services, human resources, finance, transportation, and facility maintenance and management.
Stribling holds a doctorate in educational leadership and an education specialist degree in administration and supervision from Lincoln Memorial University, along with a master’s degree in agricultural extension education and a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from the University of Georgia.
Board Chair Missy Jarrard said Stribling’s experience and leadership stood out during the selection process.
“Dr. Stribling’s experience in White County, his leadership style and his drive for excellence positions him well to lead White County Schools,” said Missy Jarrard, Chair of the White County Board of Education. “The Board looks forward to his leadership and is confident that he will continue to strengthen our schools and keep the student’s best interest at the heart of every decision he makes.”
14 days before official vote
Stribling said he is honored by the opportunity to lead the district.
“I am grateful to the Board of Education for their trust and look forward to working alongside the outstanding faculty and staff, families, and community of White County to continue the tradition of excellence that defines this district,” he said.
The announcement, which follows a called school board meeting held Jan. 22, wraps up nearly four months of search activity by the White County Board of Education. In October, the board partnered with Pioneer RESA to conduct the search, which included advertising the position, reviewing applications, and screening and interviewing candidates before selecting a sole finalist.
State law requires the board to wait at least 14 days before voting to officially employ Stribling as superintendent. His biographical information is now available for public review at the White County Board of Education during normal business hours.
