Dr. Jamaul Thomas serves as the Chief Schools Officer for KIPP Atlanta Schools, where he leads the implementation of academic strategy, supports school leadership and development, and drives performance across all schools in the network. A champion for scholars and turnaround learning environments, Dr. Thomas brings a deep commitment to equity, strong instructional systems, and the belief that every scholar can thrive when given the right supports, leadership, and expectations.

In this role, Dr. Thomas ensures instructional coherence, fosters data-informed decision-making, and builds the capacity of school leaders to deliver transformative outcomes. He works in close partnership with school and network teams to align people, systems, and strategy—ensuring every KIPP Atlanta scholar receives a rigorous, relevant, and joyful educational experience.

Dr. Thomas began his career as a Middle School Support Specialist in Orange County Public Schools, where he supported scholars performing in the lowest quartile in reading. That foundational experience—accelerating growth through targeted interventions and relationship-driven practices—shaped his scholar-first leadership approach. He went on to serve as a reading content leader, TFT Specialist, and Guidance Counselor before returning to his hometown of Lake City, Florida, to be a servant leader to school turnaround in Columbia County Schools.

He later joined IDEA Public Schools, both in Texas and Florida where he held multiple leadership roles—including Principal in Residence, Founding Principal, Executive Principal, and Principal Coach. Across these roles, he led launch work, school performance, developed school leaders, scaled academic and operational best practices across campuses, and led school improvement efforts with a focus on access and achievement for all scholars.

Since joining KIPP Atlanta, Dr. Thomas has served in several key executive roles including Managing Director of School Operations, Head of Schools, and Deputy Chief Schools Officer, before being named Chief Schools Officer. In each position, he has strengthened the alignment between academic vision and execution, championed school leader development, and led with a sense of urgency and purpose.

Dr. Thomas is guided by the powerful words of Dr. Rita Pierson: “Every child deserves a champion—an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists they become the best they can possibly be.” His career has been devoted to being that champion—and to developing leaders who do the same.