ECSD Superintendent Dr. Yancy Ford believes that public school is the cornerstone of the local community. He feels it is the school system’s responsibility to care for and educate children to increase individual success as well as the community success of Effingham County. He believes that students learn best when they are in a safe, orderly, and engaging learning environment.
Dr. Ford has been married to his wife, Deidre, since 1999, and they have two children: Matthew and Joshua. In his free time, he enjoys reading, fitness, fishing, and sports.
Education
- 2019 Superintendent’s Professional Development Program, Georgia School Superintendents Association
- 2015: L-7 Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Georgia Southern University [Concentration: Educational Administration and Leadership]
- 2009 L-6 Educational Specialist (Ed.S.), Georgia Southern University [Concentration: Educational Administration and Leadership]
- 2004 L-5 Master of Education (M.Ed.), Georgia Southern University [Concentration: Educational Administration and Leadership]
- 1999 T-4 Business Education Certification Add On, Georgia Southern University [Concentration: Business Education]
- 1998 Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Georgia Southern University [Concentration: Business and Sports Marketing]
- 1993 College Prep/Vocational Honor Graduate, Effingham County High School
ECSD Experience
- 2020-Present: Effingham County School District Superintendent
- 2016-2020: Assistant Superintendent for the Effingham County School System
- 2006-2016: Principal at Effingham County High School
- 2000-2005: Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Effingham County High School
- 1999: Business Education teacher at Effingham County Middle School, assistant football coach at Effingham County High School
Community Involvement
- United Way Coastal Empire Campaign Vice Chair
- Georgia State Literacy Committee Appointment
- United Way of The Coastal Empire Board
- 1st District RESA Board of Control Board
- Effingham Health & Transportation Boards
- Rotary Club of Effingham (Past President)
- GSSA Member & Program Graduate
- YMCA Board Member & GHSA President
- GAEL & PAGE Member
- Leadership Effingham (2004)
- First Baptist Church of Rincon Member
- Sigma Chi Fraternity (Past President)
- TKES / LKES certified evaluator
Key Accomplishments
ECHS Graduation Growth
- Increased rate for all students from 54% in 2006 to 89% in 2016
- Increased rate for black students from 45% in 2006 to 86% in 2016
- Increased rate for students with disabilities from 26% in 2006 to 66% in 2016
Testing & Scores
- Increased ACT participation from 33 to 130 students
- ACT scores rose from 19 to 21, exceeding state and nation
- AP enrollment increased from 86 students to 545 students
- AP Testing increased from 52 to 192 students
Instructional Innovation
- Implemented Read 180 hybrid model for at-risk 9th graders
- Career Academy approach planning and implementation
- Implemented C2G (Commitment to Graduate) Mentoring
- Communities in Schools mentoring program (2007-2012)
Professional Excellence
- 100% HIQ rating for teacher hiring at ECHS
- Title I Distinguished School (2009)
- Made AYP three consecutive years at ECHS
- District Accreditation with Quality (2015)
District Leadership
- $1.25 Million Small Learning Community Grant (5 years)
- Ford PAS Next Generation Learning Community planning
- 4 Star Financial Efficiency rating (2015 & 2016)
Technology & Communication
- Implemented district-wide Telemedicine (2017-Present)
- Planned and implemented ECBOE first Facebook Page
- Implemented district's first Tip411 Anonymous module
2025 State Recognition
- Recipient of the 2025 Georgia School Superintendents Association (GSSA) President's Award
From left to right: Dr. Brigid Nesmith, Executive Director of Curriculum & Technology; Mr. Timothy Hood, Asst. Superintendent Administrative Services; Dr. Yancy Ford, Superintendent; Dr. Kirbi Ratner, Asst. Superintendent Human Resources; Mr. Ron Womack, Chief Operations Officer; Ms. Lauren Cain, Director of Finance
