Guess Named New Assistant Principal at JCHS

The Jackson County Board of Education Thursday night approved the hire of Ms. Courtney Guess as a new assistant principal at Jackson County High School. Guess will begin her new role in the 2025-26 school year. 

Guess is currently the Behavior Intervention Specialist and Department Chair at Dacula High School, serving at the school since 2015. Guess served at Grayson High School from 2003-15 as a teacher and department chair prior to moving to DHS.

“With a wealth of pedagogical knowledge and a passion for student success, we are thrilled to welcome Courtney Guess to our school community,” JCHS Principal Melissa Gillespie said. “Her dedication to fostering a supportive learning environment and commitment to educational excellence will undoubtedly inspire both students and staff alike. We look forward to the positive impact she will have as we continue to shape a bright future for our school.”

Guess, who was named a 2023-24 Gwinnett County Public Schools Teacher of the Year Semifinalist, lives in Jackson County and felt this was the perfect opportunity to make a transition to her hometown school system. 

“The main reason is I am just so impressed with the community, how they have handled the growth and kept their community feel,” Guess said. “It is really amazing to watch. It is the fastest growing system in Georgia, and just to keep the community and everyone engaged with so much community pride, who wouldn’t want to be a part of something like that?”

Guess will work closely with educators on professional development in her new role at Jackson County High School. She says she is eager to get started to continue to provide top-tier education to students.

“Jackson County is known for top-tier instruction, and my goal is to go in there and continue that positive school culture, strengthening those academic support systems,” Guess said.

Guess holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science Education from the University of Georgia, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Walden University, a Specialist’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Liberty University and a Tier 1 Certification from Mercer University. She is currently enrolled in an Educational Doctoral program, studying school improvement, at the University of West Georgia. 

Guess and her husband, Marcus, have three children, Brody (19), Ella (17) and Eisley (12).