Dr. Morris Leis, a respected career public school superintendent, is announcing his retirement and concluding his highly successful tenure as Superintendent of Coffee County Schools, a role he has held since 2011. His career spans 17 years as a superintendent and a total of 32 years dedicated to education.
Dr. Leis stated, “I feel like it is time for someone else to lead the school district as I complete 15 years of service. The system is stronger than ever, with excellent people in leadership positions from top to bottom, and the quality of work from our teachers and staff is stronger than ever. I would also be remiss if I did not recognize our Board of Education and their leadership throughout my tenure here in Coffee County, especially Mr. Jesse Jowers and Mr. Bryan Preston. Both have served as excellent board chairs and have provided steady, consistent leadership as board members. They have supported our school district with wisdom and experience and have always looked out for the best interests of our children, teachers, and staff, with Mr. Preston serving throughout my entire tenure and Mr. Jowers serving for nearly my entire time as superintendent.”
Over the past 15 years, Dr. Leis has focused intensely on student achievement, organizational culture, fiscal responsibility, and long-term sustainability for the district. He leaves a legacy of significant progress and community trust.
During his leadership, Dr. Leis guided the district through three comprehensive, districtwide strategic plans, successfully transitioned Coffee County Schools to a Georgia Charter System, completed three rigorous Cognia accreditation cycles and raised the graduation rates for all students to the highest levels ever. His tenure has been marked by key operational and management accomplishments, including:
- Facilities Modernization: Overseeing upgrades and improvements to district facilities including new schools at Broxton Mary Hayes Elementary, Nicholls Elementary, West Green Elementary and Wiregrass Regional College and Career Academy. Construction of the Clayton Mathis Performing Arts Center, Billy Walker Agriculture Center, NJROTC/Multipurpose Facility and the new Coffee County Board of Education Office. Major renovations or improvements at Coffee High School, Eastside Elementary and George Washington Carver Freshman Campus. And construction of the fieldhouse and tennis, track and weightroom facility improvements at Coffee High School.
- Disciplined Budget Management: Maintaining sound fiscal practices and ensuring financial health, rolling back the Millage Rate (Property Taxes) nine out of fifteen years and never recommending a property tax increase.
- Executive Team Development and Transformational Innovations: Building and mentoring a strong leadership team and increasing diversity at the district office. Established the Academies at Coffee High School and Wiregrass Regional College and Career Academy.
- Strengthened Governance and Community Engagement: Implementing initiatives that improved district governance and fostered positive community relations including establishing school governance councils that include community members, at all schools. As well, the Georgia School Board Association has recognized the Coffee County Board of Education as an Exemplary school board every year since 2015.
Dr. Leis is recognized throughout the state and nation for his ability to unify and bring “boards, educators, policymakers, community leaders and stakeholders together to address complex challenges with clarity and trust.” His commitment to education extends beyond the district through various influential roles, serving on numerous state and national boards and commissions.
He has shown his leadership and service in action through the numerous boards he has served on.
- Douglas-Coffee County Planning Commission (2025-Present)
- Governor Kemp’s Superintendent Roundtable (2023-Present)
- Coastal Plains High School Governance Board – Chair (2023-Present)
- Cognia Georgia Advisory Committee (2022-Present)
- AASA – The National School Superintendents Association – Governing Board (2021-Present)
- Okefenokee RESA Board – Chair (2020-Present)
- Georgia Charter System Foundation – Executive Board (2019-Present)
- Georgia School Superintendents Association – Board of Directors (2016-Present)
- Governor Deal’s Superintendent Advisory Board (2014)
- Georgia School Boards Association – Superintendent Advisory Council (2013)
During his tenure he has represented the Coffee County School System as he has been invited to speak at the following events:
- AASA National Conference on Education
- Roundtable: “When Disaster Strikes” (2026)
- Panel: “Avoiding the Fiscal Cliff” (2024)
- Georgia School Boards Association Annual Conference
- Breakout: “From Culture to Achievement: Coffee County Schools’ Blueprint for Success and Stability” (2025)
- Breakout: “Charting Our Future: Equity & Excellence” (2020)
- Best Practices Workshop: “Righting the Course” (2012)
- Georgia Emergency Management Conference
- Featured Session: “When Disaster Strikes” (2025)
- South Georgia State College
- Commencement Speaker (2021)
His dedication and excellence have earned numerous accolades, including:
- 2025 — Cognia • Greg Arnsdorff Servant Leadership Award
- 2023 — Georgia School Superintendents Association • President’s Award
- 2021 — Charter System Foundation • Leadership Award
- 2021 — Douglas–Coffee County Chamber of Commerce • Community Partner of the Year
- 2020 — GSBA Governance Team of the Year
- 2018 — Charter System Foundation • Charter System of the Year
As Dr. Leis concludes his service, Coffee County Schools stands as a model for advancing innovative education policy. Dr. Leis will end his tenure as the longest serving school superintendent in Coffee County since 1962 (E. M. Thompson, 1946-1962) and the first superintendent to see the Coffee Trojans win a state championship in football.
