Blount County, TN – Blount County Schools has named Jake Jones as the interim director of schools, effective Thursday. Jones, who has been with the district for over two decades, assumes the role following the resignation of David Murrell, who had served as director for 18 years.
Jones, who began his tenure with the district in 1998 and became the assistant director of schools in 2020, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity. In a statement, he emphasized his dedication to the district’s students and staff. “It is an honor to lead our outstanding administrators, teachers, and staff. 2025 is going to be an amazing year for our Blount County Schools team as we focus on continually doing the work that matters most—graduating students equipped to achieve excellence,” Jones said.
The appointment comes amid a challenging year for the district. In 2024, the Blount County School Board faced significant public backlash after gym teacher Joseph Dalton was arrested and pleaded guilty to charges related to touching students. The case became particularly contentious when former students spoke out at a county commission meeting in September, alleging they had been assaulted by Dalton as far back as 2005.
Jones now steps into his new role at a pivotal moment for the district, which has been working to rebuild community trust and focus on the well-being of students. With the new leadership, the district is hopeful for a fresh start as it continues to prioritize student achievement and success in the upcoming year.
