John Baggett is in his ninth year as a superintendent and his third year as Superintendent of Nevada City School District, where his elementary school roots began. For the previous six years, Mr. Baggett was Superintendent and 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. John started 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 achievements and awards are a testament to his dedication and success. His work ranges from overseeing large district programs, including securing funding for library, technology, and wellness centers, to improving academic achievement, arts, health, and social-emotional education in urban and rural schools.  He was awarded Administrator of the Year,  Middle School Principal, Nevada County ACSA in 2012, received the Administrative Leadership Award by the California School Library Association in 2006, and the Hope Award from the Sacramento Hunger Commission for bringing gardens to urban schools.  

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 from National University, Sacramento. John and his immediate family settled back in Nevada County 23 years ago, where John now serves on Rotary youth services and on the Board of Directors and education chair at The Center of the Arts. John and his wife have enjoyed raising their two daughters, exploring the beautiful hiking and running trails, as well as the rich musical and arts community here.