Jonathan S. Patterson

With a career marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a passion for education, Dr. Jonathan S. Patterson is an experienced leader with a deep knowledge of teaching and learning. He started his career as a high school science teacher and coach in 1995, then quickly worked his way up to leadership roles as an assistant principal, principal, and associate superintendent.

Now, Dr. Patterson is in his dream job as Superintendent of Fayette County Public Schools. Since being appointed by the Fayette County Board of Education on August 24, 2020, he has worked diligently to create a culture of inclusion, involvement, innovation, and inspiration among students, staff, parents, and the community.

Dr. Patterson’s mission is to ensure that all students are academically successful and prepared for their “first choice” after high school graduation, be it college, technical school, branch of military, or job. He holds close to heart the old adage of “keep the main thing, the main thing.” A school system is in the business of teaching and learning, and each decision he makes is with this ultimate responsibility in mind.

A lifelong native of metro Atlanta, Dr. Patterson proudly calls Fayette County home. What he values most is honesty, integrity, trust, and family. These values align with the residents of Fayette County, making the area the perfect fit for him. Dr. Patterson and his wife Shannon, a middle school teacher, are the proud parents of two young men; Davis, a high school senior, and Bradley, a college senior.

Dr. Patterson credits his parents as being his best teachers, modeling how to balance the responsibilities of family, career, and community service. The values his parents instilled during his childhood years played a significant role in his choice to go into public education.

Dr. Patterson is a graduate of West Georgia College with a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Biology and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. He earned his Specialist in Educational Leadership from the University of Georgia, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Mercer University.