Michael Duncan, Ed.D. is an award-winning superintendent and national leader in education transformation. A lifelong champion of future-ready learning, he brings nearly three decades of experience leading systems, building capacity, and shaping high-performance cultures where students and educators thrive.

As one of Georgia’s longest-serving superintendents, Dr. Duncan led Pike County Schools for 18 years (2005–2023) before serving as President & CEO of Battelle for Kids, a national not-for-profit organization supporting the Portrait of a Graduate movement. At Battelle for Kids, he guided the organization’s strategic partnership with AASA, The School Superintendents Association, expanding the reach of future-ready leadership and systems transformation across the nation.

Today, through NorthStarK12, Dr. Duncan continues his work as a trusted advisor, coach, and facilitator—helping superintendents and leadership teams create the focus, coherence, and alignment required to turn vision into sustained impact.

A Legacy of Innovation and Impact

Throughout his tenure in Pike County, Dr. Duncan led a districtwide transformation grounded in the community’s Portrait of a Graduate—five competencies that became its “North Star”:

• Think critically

• Solve creatively

• Communicate clearly

• Act responsibly

• Collaborate effectively

This work resulted in significant gains in graduation rates, dual enrollment, and advanced coursework participation. Pike County became known for its innovative culture, introducing Georgia’s first Agricultural STEM program and the humanities-based Imaginology initiative.

Recognizing that teacher efficacy drives student success, Dr. Duncan doubled professional learning days and partnered with the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the AIW Institute to develop robust Professional Learning Communities. With a 99% teacher retention rate, Pike County was recognized by Education Week as a “District Worth Visiting.”

Leadership Beyond the District

Dr. Duncan’s leadership has been recognized statewide and nationally:

• Georgia Superintendent of the Year (2021)

• GSSA Bill Barr Leadership Award (2018)

• GSSA President’s Award (2011)

• Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education Award (2017) for Rural System Leadership

He has served in multiple advisory capacities, including:

• AASA Governing Board & Rural Education Steering Committee

• Governor’s Superintendent Roundtable and Innovative Assessment Taskforce

• Georgia School Boards Association Executive Advisory Team

• Georgia School Superintendents Association Board

• Ohio Young Worker’s Taskforce

A sought-after speaker, Dr. Duncan has delivered keynotes around the U.S. and internationally, and led national panels—including SXSW EDU 2025—on redefining student success and leading system change.

Advancing Future-Ready Learning

Dr. Duncan co-founded the Georgia Deeper Learning Network for Workforce Readiness and Economic Prosperity, a statewide collaboration among districts, higher education, and business leaders committed to preparing every student for a rapidly changing economy. The Network’s work centers on practice, public will, and policy—addressing the systemic conditions necessary for future-ready schools.

Personal and Professional Roots

Before his superintendency, Dr. Duncan served as a teacher, assistant principal, and high school principal in Georgia public schools. He earned his Doctorate and Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Georgia and his Bachelor’s in Pre-Law/Business from Georgia Southern University.

He is married to his best friend, Melanie, and together they have two sons, Josh and Alec.

Guiding Principle

“Leaders don’t create value directly—they create the conditions for others to thrive. The true work of leadership is building systems that make success inevitable.”
— Michael Duncan, Ed.D.