James Mitchell “Mitch” Young was announced on Monday as the sole finalist to be the next Superintendent of Schools.
“We sincerely appreciate the input provided by our stakeholders and the internal candidates who applied for this opportunity,” Darla Light, Chairperson of the Board of Education said. “Our Board thoroughly reviewed the feedback in alignment with our Strategic Plan. Mr. Young possesses the qualities, characteristics, and skills we were seeking. For 17 years, he has been a Forsyth County parent, teacher, assistant principal, principal, and deputy superintendent. In that time, Mr. Young has successfully achieved many accomplishments by intentionally cementing a strong partnership between schools, parents/guardians, and our business community. We look forward to partnering with him to lead our school district.”
A press release from the Forsyth County Schools said Young will be the 22nd superintendent of Forsyth County schools and the sixth appointed to the job.
Young is a Pennsylvania native but has spent most of his adult life in the South.
Young completed his Bachelor’s degree at Florida State University and holds a Master’s degree from the University of Georgia, where he is currently pursuing his Doctoral degree.
“I am deeply humbled and honored that the Board of Education has placed its trust in me to lead Forsyth County Schools as Superintendent,” Young said. “I appreciate the support and guidance of Dr. Bearden throughout his tenure in the district. He has been an invaluable leader, mentor, and friend. I am committed to collaborating closely with Governance Team members, school leaders, teachers, and staff, parents/guardians, students, and community members to achieve the goals outlined in Forsyth County Schools’ Strategic Plan. It is our roadmap for providing all students an unparalleled education and establishing a safe, connected, and thriving community for all stakeholders.”
Before joining Forsyth County Schools, Young was a social studies teacher and varsity basketball coach in the Gwinnett County Public Schools.
While employed at Forsyth County, he has served on the board of directors at the United Way of Forsyth and Leadership Forsyth. Since 2014, Young has been a member of the Rotary Club of Forsyth County.
The current superintendent Dr. Jeff Bearden will retire from his position on Nov. 1.
The Board of Education will wait 14 days until approving a contract with the new superintendent, it will meet for the final vote on Mar. 27.
