District Leadership

Dr. Dana L. Ayers began her educational career in 1999 at Battleground Elementary School in Lincolnton, NC where she taught 1st, 4th, and 5th grades.  In 2005, she moved to Lincolnton Middle School where she taught 6th grade math and science for five years.

Dr. Ayers transitioned to school administration at West Lincoln Middle School where she served as Assistant Principal of Instruction from 2010 to 2014.  She then became Principal at Lincolnton Middle School and was named 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 and her network grew. Dr. Ayers commuted to Asheville until 2021 when she was chosen from a pool of 21 applicants to become the Superintendent of Jackson County Public Schools.

Dr. Ayers currently serves in several roles with local organizations. She is a member of the Sylva Rotary Club, supports the Jackson County Department of Aging by delivering Meals on Wheels, served on the Board of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina, presented to the State Board of Education in Raleigh, and was just recently chosen to serve a four year term on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) beginning July 1, 2024.

Dr. Ayers received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Belmont Abbey College in 1999.  She was awarded a Master of Arts Degree in School Administration in 2008 and AIG licensure in 2009 from Western Carolina University.  In 2016, she completed her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at UNC Charlotte.

In her personal life, Dr. Ayers prioritizes faith, family, and community.  She has participated in many service projects with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, and Samaritan’s Purse.  She has volunteered at homeless shelters, served as a team captain for Relay for Life, and collected food for various ministries.  Dr. Ayers is married to Phillip and they have three children, Josh and Emily, both married with families, and her youngest son, Truman. Truman is a rising senior at Smoky Mountain High School.