The Oconee County Board of Education has selected Dr. Melissa Butler of Catoosa County as the sole finalist to be the next Superintendent of Schools.

The announcement came during a special session at the Instructional Support Center on Tuesday.

Dr. Butler currently serves as Catoosa County’s Deputy/Assistant Superintendent, providing district-wide leadership in both instructional and operational areas.

“I am deeply honored by the opportunity to serve as the next Superintendent of Oconee County Schools,” Dr. Butler said. “I am grateful to the Board of Education for its trust and look forward to working with the outstanding OCS faculty and staff, families, and community to continue the tradition of excellence that defines this district. Oconee County is a place where strong schools and strong community partnership go hand in hand, and I am committed to building on that foundation for the success of every student.”

“Dr. Butler’s experience in supporting student learning, encouraging collaboration, and working closely with families and the community positions her well to lead Oconee County Schools,” Board Chair Michael Ransom said. “The Board looks forward to her leadership and is confident that her student-centered approach will continue to strengthen our schools and keep the students’ best interests at the heart of every decision.”

With the naming of the finalist, the Board now must wait at least 14 days before taking an official vote to employ Dr. Butler as the next Superintendent of Oconee County Schools.

The naming of Dr. Butler as the finalist culminates almost four months of search activity by the Oconee County Board of Education. In May, the Board selected Georgia Leadership Associates to assist with the search. The position was advertised, applications were reviewed, and candidates were screened and vetted. Multiple lengthy interviews were conducted for a select group of applicants.

Dr. Jason Branch retired in June after 13 years as Oconee County’s Superintendent. Dr. Debra Harden has been serving as Interim Superintendent since July and will remain in the position until Dr. Butler begins.

As the Deputy/Assistant Superintendent of Catoosa County — a district of more than 10,000 students in Northwest Georgia — Dr. Butler has worked closely with all departments to ensure strategic alignment, equitable access, and continuous improvement. Her leadership has contributed to record-high graduation rates, the expansion of college and career readiness opportunities, and nationally recognized Professional Learning Community practices.

Dr. Butler holds a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty, an Education Specialist in Instructional Leadership from Tennessee Tech, a Master of Arts in Secondary English Education from Piedmont, and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary English Education from Tennessee-Chattanooga.

Dr. Butler has been a member of the Catoosa County Schools team since 2007. She taught English Language Arts, then ascended to Assistant Principal and Principal of Heritage Middle School between 2007-22. Heritage became the first middle school in Georgia recognized as a Model PLC School under her watch and she earned the Rebecca DuFour National Leadership Award. Dr. Butler was named Catoosa County’s Director of Secondary Education in 2022 and the Deputy/Assistant Superintendent in 2023.

Dr. Butler began her career as an English and Journalism teacher at Loganville High in 2003.

She and her husband, Justin, have two children: Natalie, a student at the University of Georgia, and Luke, a sophomore. Said Dr. Butler, “We are excited to make Oconee County our home.”