Dr. Jason Branch, the Superintendent of Oconee County Schools since 2012, announced his decision to retire, effective June 30, 2025, to the Board of Education on Monday.

Dr. Branch will be assuming the role of Deputy Executive Director of the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia on July 1.

“The people of Oconee County are truly world class, and their commitment to education has been and remains the foundational difference that makes this community special,” Dr. Branch said. “Along the way I have met some incredible people, created lifelong friendships, and definitely received more blessings than I deserved or reciprocated. The young people that I have had the honor to get to know, and perhaps impact in some small way, reflect the promise of things to come and the youthful exuberance of the moment. Educators are fed by that promise, by that enthusiasm, and by that great responsibility to have an impact.”

Under Dr. Branch’s watch, Oconee County Schools has consistently been chosen as the No. 1 county school district in Georgia by Niche and SchoolDigger. Earlier this year, Niche named Oconee County the No. 1 county in America for public schools. For 2023-24, Oconee County Schools boasted a graduation rate of 99.1 percent, an SAT composite score of 1161, and an ACT composite score of 24.5. Dr. Branch has guided Oconee County Schools from a millage rate of 18.5 mills to 14.25 mills and implemented a $150 million building campaign to modernize instructional facilities.

“We are deeply grateful to Dr. Branch for his dedicated service and outstanding leadership,” Board of Education Chairman Michael Ransom said. “His commitment to excellence and unwavering support for students, staff, and the community have left a lasting legacy. We wish him continued success and all the best in his new role. He will always be a valued part of the Oconee family.”

Appropriately, Dr. Branch’s educational journey will conclude where it began. In 1997, he was a student teacher in the English Department at Oconee County High School. Dr. Branch had the opportunity to serve as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, and superintendent at five school systems over nearly three decades.

Dr. Branch told the Board of Education on Monday that he has “a heart full of gratitude and a soul that is satisfied.”