Superintendent Trent North
Trent North serves as the Douglas County School System’s superintendent, managing the day-to-day and strategic operations of a school system with over 26,000 students and 4,075 employees.
North is a native of Carrollton, where he grew up in public housing. The lifelong learner attended the University of West Georgia, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s in Educational Leadership. He also holds a Specialist’s degree in leadership and curriculum from Lincoln Memorial University.
North has worked in Georgia as a leader in schools of all levels. Before becoming superintendent, he began his career as a Carrollton City School System paraprofessional. There, he rose to become the city’s first African American principal. He also spent five years as director of community affairs, program compliance, human resources, and Race to the Top for Carrollton City Schools.
North’s influence extends beyond education. He served on the Carroll County Board of Commissioners for 25 years. As a commissioner, he maintained an unwavering commitment to the students in his community while also working for the county’s economic growth and development. During his time on the board, North worked to strengthen government and local community partnerships.
In 2017, North joined the Douglas County School System as superintendent. Since his arrival, he has inspired student achievement, strengthened family partnerships, and increased employee engagement districtwide.
Throughout his tenure, North’s priority has remained student-focused. This “student first” commitment reflects his lifelong passion for addressing academic and social achievement by building cultures of success. Besides this intense focus on the classroom, he has innovated several safety initiatives. In doing so, the district has remained at the forefront of school security technology.
North believes creating a safe and supportive learning environment is crucial to academic achievement. Under his leadership, the district has become a school community that fosters social and emotional well-being by providing a safe environment and supportive resources for learning.
While superintendent, the district has been recognized at the state, regional, and national levels. In 2022, the Georgia School Superintendents Association named Superintendent North Georgia Superintendent of the Year. That following year, the American Association of School Administrators named him one of four finalists for National Superintendent of the Year.
Superintendent North believes that students are the future of Douglas County. He remains committed to creating a challenging curriculum that prepares them to become responsible individuals, independent thinkers, and productive citizens in a global society.
He has invested in several community organizations and boards to advance the district’s mission of preparing students for success. The Douglas County Chamber of Commerce, Carroll County Times-Georgian, Georgia Association of Educational Leaders, American Association of School Administrators, and other influential organizations have recognized him for his devotion to education.
North is a member of the Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, Douglas County Chamber Board of Directors and is a 2018 Leadership Douglas graduate. In addition, he serves on the Live Healthy Douglas, Cobb and Douglas Public Health, Douglas County Community Services, Elevate Douglas, and Douglas County Education Collaborative boards. At the state level, he has served on the Governor’s Superintendents Advisory Task Force and the Georgia School Boards Association Board of Directors.
He and his wife, Toya, are the proud parents of two daughters and a grandpuppy to Levi.