Superintendent Melissa Butler, Ed.D.

Dr. Melissa Butler was sworn in as the Superintendent of Oconee County Schools on Oct. 6, 2025.

Dr. Butler arrived in Oconee County from Catoosa County, where she served in a variety of roles. 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 Dr. Butler’s watch and she earned the Rebecca DuFour National Leadership Award. She was named Catoosa County’s Director of Secondary Education in 2022 and the Deputy/Assistant Superintendent in 2023.

As Deputy/Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Butler helped ensure strategic alignment, equitable access, and continuous improvement as she provided leadership for Teaching and Learning, Leadership Development, Finance and Budget, Human Resources, Technology, Operations and Facilities, Transportation, Student Services and Safety, Strategic Planning and Communications, and Community Engagement. Her involvement contributed to record-high graduation rates, the expansion of college and career readiness opportunities, and nationally recognized Professional Learning Community practices.

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

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.

She and her husband, Justin, have two children: Natalie and Luke.