Wilkes County Schools is excited to announce that Mr. Josh Rider has been named principal for the 2025-2026 school year. With 20 years of experience in education, Mr. Rider brings a wealth of teaching expertise and seven years of administrative leadership. He currently serves as the principal of Elbert County Comprehensive High School, a role he has held for the past four years.
Mr. Rider comes highly recommended as a dedicated administrator and instructional leader known for fostering positive change through teamwork. His passion for education and commitment to student success make him a valuable addition to the WWPS community. He is eager to collaborate with teachers, parents, and community members to continue creating a supportive and enriching learning environment for our students.
A native of Royston, Georgia, Mr. Rider graduated from Franklin County High School in 2002. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Piedmont College and later completed an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from the University of West Georgia. There, he also obtained his Tier 1 and Tier 2 Leadership Certificates and was recognized as the Outstanding Student in Educational Leadership in April 2020.
We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Rider to the WWPS family! Please join us in extending a warm welcome as he steps into his new role as principal of Washington-Wilkes Primary School.