School Leadership

Dr. Adonica A. Jones-Parks, Director of Banyan High School, is a lifelong resident of Cincinnati and has been an educator in the community for over 25 years. She is a passionate educator, a relentless advocate for students, and is committed to providing equitable access and opportunities for students. Dr. Jones-Parks believes that for youth experiencing challenges that can disengage them academically from school and limit their life opportunities, there has to be a nontraditional approach to addressing their social, emotional, and academic needs.

Dr. Jones-Parks is committed to creating and sustaining a nurturing and safe environment at Banyan High School. Her goals include preparing students academically to graduate from high school with a nationally accredited high school diploma and supporting their social and emotional growth. In addition to individualized instruction and academic support and guidance from caring teachers and staff, students have an opportunity to earn career certifications and assistance with job placement. Dr. Jones-Parks believes unequivocally that a positive, caring, and safe culture and climate works in tandem with an effective academic program so students are motivated to pursue and reach their full potential.

Dr. Jones-Parks earned a Doctor of Education from Miami University (OH), a Master of Education from Xavier University (OH), and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Xavier University (OH). She is a licensed teacher, principal, and superintendent and is an experienced high school English/Language Arts teacher and K12 school administrator in public education. She considers herself “bipartisan” because of her extensive experience in traditional and charter public school settings. Additionally, Dr. Jones-Parks has higher education experience as a community college instructor and field supervisor/evaluator for students who are interning in classrooms in Greater Cincinnati school districts.

Dr. Jones-Parks states, “We must disrupt and dismantle unjust and inequitable decades-old structures and practices that are causing irreparable harm to students. We must confront the unmet holistic needs of students head-on with intention, innovation, and boldness, and do so as a community. If this effort is not collective and centered on students, the education system will continue to disenfranchise students and push them away from the very thing they need, a quality education that fits their needs and positions them for sustained success in life. Our students not only deserve better, but they deserve the best!”