Our School District

Dana Ayers has 27 years of experience in NC public schools. She grew up in Lincoln County, graduating from East Lincoln High School. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education from Belmont Abbey College and a Masters in school administration from WCU. Dr. Ayers received an add-on academically/intellectually gifted license from WCU and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from UNC-Charlotte. 

Dr. Ayers began her teaching career in 1999 as an elementary school teacher. Spending 11 years in the classroom teaching grades 1, 4, 5 and 6 before stepping into the role of assistant principal in a middle school. After four years as an AP, she returned to the middle school she taught for five years,  Lincolnton Middle School, and served as the principal and was named the district Principal of the Year in 2017.

After relocating to Jackson County in 2018, Dr. Ayers was selected by Asheville City Schools as the Chief Academic Officer.  In her nearly three years, serving there ACS, she had the opportunity to work alongside many community members and fellow educators. She commuted to Asheville until 2021 when she was chosen to become the Superintendent for JCPS.

Dr. Ayers serves in several roles with many organizations. She is a member of the Sylva Rotary Club, supports the Jackson County Department of Aging by delivering Meals on Wheels, serves as the Region 8 President and a board member for NCATLL and serves on the Executive Board of Directors for the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA).

Personally, Dr. Ayers is the proud daughter of George and Pam Flynn; ironically, neither of her parents completed high school. She is honored to be mom to Josh, Emily and Truman, “Nanny” to Jace and Elliott and wife of Phillip. In her spare time, she loves to travel and read. She is strong in her faith and isn’t afraid to share her life experiences!

Mr. Buchanan began his educational career in 2001 teaching social studies at Smoky Mountain High School.  He became assistant principal at Scotts Creek School in 2010.  He served the district as director of middle and secondary education in 2012 prior to becoming principal at Smoky Mountain High School in 2013.  Under his leadership, Smoky Mountain moved into the top 5% of high schools in North Carolina in both academic growth and graduation rate.

Mr. Buchanan completed his Bachelor’s Degree in History from King College in 1999.  He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education Social Studies in 2001 and a Master’s Degree in School Administration in 2009 from Western Carolina University.  In 2017, he received an Education Specialist Degree from Clemson University and is currently working on his Doctorate in Educational Leadership.

Mr. Buchanan received National Board Certification in 2005.  He was selected as the Jackson County Teacher of the Year in 2007 and the Jackson County Principal of the Year in 2015.  He became assistant superintendent in June 2018 and deputy superintendent in March 2021.

Former Superintendent Dr. Kim Elliott said, "Mr. Buchanan is a true asset to Jackson County Public Schools.  He shares my vision for safe schools and excellence in teaching and learning.  Mr. Buchanan cares deeply about students and their success.  Students have always come first and will continue to do so in Jackson County."