The Colquitt County Board of Education approved hiring Ja'Net Bonner Smith as the principal of Cox Elementary School at a called board meeting on June 18, 2025. Smith will assume the role of principal on July 1, 2025. She is the assistant principal at R.B. Wright Elementary School and was recently named a 2025 National Outstanding Assistant Principal by the Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals (GAESP). The National Association of Elementary School Principals sponsors this recognition program.
Superintendent Dan Chappuis shared, “We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Smith as the new leader of Cox Elementary. Her strong instructional leadership and unwavering commitment to students and families will be invaluable as she guides Cox toward continued growth and success.”
Smith has been the assistant principal at R.B. Wright since 2022. She began her education career as a paraprofessional at Funston Elementary in 2009 in 3rd and 4th grade before moving into the role of a Computer Lab Paraprofessional at Funston. After earning her teaching certification, she stayed at Funston as a classroom teacher for seven years. She finished her last year at Funston in 2021 as an academic coach before taking the assistant principal position at R.B. Wright.
When asked about being chosen as Cox's next principal, she said, "I am honored to serve as the new principal of Cox Elementary. As a servant leader, my goal is to support and empower our students, staff, and families every step of the way. I believe leadership is not about a title, but about lifting others, building trust, and creating a school where every child feels seen, valued, and inspired to succeed." Smith earned her BSW in Social Work from Albany State University, a Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University, and an Education Specialist from Albany State University.
Colquitt County School District serves over 8500 students across thirteen schools and three programs. The district employs just over 1400 certified and classified staff members. Cox Elementary is one of ten elementary schools in the Colquitt County School District serving students in Pre-K to 5th Grade with an enrollment of almost 450 students.
For enrollment, employment, or student achievement information, please visit www.colquitt.k12.ga.us.