John Baggett is in his tenth year as a superintendent and his fourth year as Superintendent of Nevada City School District, where his elementary school roots began. For the previous six years, Mr. Baggett served as Superintendent/Principal at Colfax Elementary School District. John also served as Principal and Director of Education in the Grass Valley School District for seven years and in similar positions for ten years in Sacramento, where he supported 21 elementary schools serving 10,000 students. He began his teaching career in 4th and 5th grades at Newcastle Elementary School and Kindergarten through 8th grades in multimedia and information literacy. John was awarded Teacher Who Makes a Difference by the Placer County Office of Education, where, in addition to full-time teaching, he was the technology coordinator, summer school principal, basketball and volleyball coach, and athletic director.

John’s professional experience reflects a consistent focus on improving student learning and school communities. His work has included supporting large district programs, securing funding for libraries, technology, and wellness centers, and enhancing academic achievement, arts, health, and social-emotional education in both urban and rural schools. Along the way, he has been recognized with honors such as Administrator of the Year, Middle School Principal, Nevada County ACSA (2012), the Administrative Leadership Award from the California School Library Association (2006), and the Hope Award from the Sacramento Hunger Commission for bringing gardens to urban schools.

In addition to his district leadership, John serves on the Boards of the Schools Insurance Group, Nevada County Special Education, and the Community Roots Food Joint Powers Authority. He previously served on the Boards of Mid Placer Transportation and the Placer County Special Education Local Plan Area.

After attending Nevada City schools from Kindergarten through 8th grade, John graduated from Nevada Union High School and received his Bachelor's degree from the University of California, Irvine. He earned a multiple-subject teaching credential and a Masters in Education and Administrative credential. For the past 25 years, John and his wife Katy have returned to Nevada County to raise their children, who attended public schools here. He also serves on Rotary youth services and on the Board of Directors and as education chair at The Center for the Arts. John and Katy have enjoyed raising their two daughters, exploring the beautiful hiking and running trails, as well as the rich musical and arts community here.