Ernest Sessoms Jr. appointed as elementary and federal program director for Asheville City Schools

Asheville City Schools is pleased to announce that Ernest Sessoms Jr., has been selected to serve as Elementary and Federal Program Director, effective July 15.

As the Elementary and Federal Program Director, Mr. Sessoms will lead efforts to ensure that curriculum and instructional programs incorporate the best and most advanced educational research. Mr. Sessoms will provide valuable training opportunities for elementary staff and school administrators to strengthen their skills and knowledge in the most up-to-date and culturally relevant teaching strategies. As the Federal Program Director, Mr. Sessoms will provide oversight and leadership to the district for the effective coordination of Federal Programs, assuring that our schools and classrooms have access to high-quality resources and funding.

Mr. Sessom’s career in education began in 1998 as a middle school math and science teacher in the Clover School District in South Carolina. In 1999, he went on to serve in the Atlanta Public School District (APS), where he taught for another 14 years until he became the Assistant Principal at Boyd Elementary School in 2015. He then went on to serve as Principal at Dunbar Elementary School in APS from 2018 to 2024.

With decades of experience in public education, Mr. Sessoms has shown unwavering commitment to students and teachers. Throughout his career, Mr. Sessoms has implemented family engagement strategies that include the ‘Whole Child Intervention Committee’ which focuses on developing wrap-around student support services that address absenteeism, mental health, and behavior. His ability to foster a strong school culture built on a foundation of trust and safety is evident in his leadership. Sessoms has served in the LEAD Mentor Development Program (2018-2019) which provided workshops for school staff interested in leadership and career development and was a part of the Black and Latino Leadership Cohort (2021-2022). “Mr. Sessoms brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to serve our staff and students. We are very excited to have him join our Asheville City School’s crew,” says Shannon Baggett, Assistant Superintendent of Asheville City Schools.

During his time in administrative roles, Mr. Sessoms built a positive school climate by creating various staff and student recognition programs, leading grade-level, department, and individual coaching sessions for teacher performance, and leveraging community resources to enhance student opportunity both inside and outside the classroom. Mr. Sessoms is excited to make a difference in Asheville City Schools because he is “dedicated to increasing student achievement through equity and engagement of all stakeholders”.

Data-driven and proficient in contemporary educational trends, Mr. Sessoms’ ability to integrate formative and summative practices into our Elementary Schools will greatly benefit both students and educators in ACS. “The expertise and proven leadership skills that Mr. Sessoms brings to Asheville City Schools will be pivotal as we fulfill our three promises to the ACS Community.  His experience as a principal in Atlanta along with his extensive work in curriculum and instruction will be essential as we address the racial achievement gap in ACS. I am thrilled to welcome Mr. Sessoms to Asheville,” says ACS Superintendent, Dr. Maggie Fehrman.