Yolonda Brown

As Chief Academic Officer (CAO) Ms. Yolonda Brown is responsible for setting the strategic vision and direction for the instructional framework and approach to Atlanta Public Schools’ academic programs and is a key lever to accomplish the district’s academic goals. In this role, Ms. Brown provides the strategic direction for the school district’s Teaching and Learning, Student Support Services and Instructional Technology Departments, as well as works to build authentic partnerships between district offices and schools to ensure closer alignment of district resources with school needs, to implement an instructional plan for the district.

Ms. Brown brings a wealth of diverse professional experience to this position as well as over 25+ years of service which she uses in supporting the district’s mission and serving its students.

Prior to being selected as the Chief Academic Officer for Atlanta Public Schools in November 2020, Yolonda held multiple leadership roles within APS including previously serving as a District Level Model Teacher Leader, Elementary School Principal (Founding Principal of Springdale Park Elementary School (SPARK) and Associate Superintendent of Schools.

She earned a B.A. Degree in Elementary Education at Clemson University in Clemson, SC, a M.Ed. in Middle Grades Education, with a concentration in Science at Mercer University in Atlanta, Georgia and a Leadership Certification at Clark-Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia.