Equetta Jones named principal at Love Creek Elementary

Equetta Jones has been named principal of Love Creek Elementary after completing her first year as assistant principal at H.O. Brittingham Elementary.

“I’m a relationship person and will have forever friends at HOB. Coming to Cape, it was a great start for me,” she said. “I’m excited for my new village.”

Jones said she knows she has big shoes to fill; she replaces former Love Creek Principal Lisa Morris, who is now the Cape Henlopen School District assistant supervisor of human resources.

In her first few weeks in the position, Jones has been meeting with all staff members to connect on both personal and professional levels. To make the school year fun, Jones plans a carnival theme in decorations, games and atmosphere.

“It will help us spread the love and joy at the ‘Creek’ for every child, every second, every day,” she said. “The kid comes out in everyone at a carnival.”

To make her office a welcoming, not intimidating place for students, two drawers of her credenza are filled with puzzles and games.

“So they’ll be comfortable here,” she said. “I want everyone to understand that at Love Creek, we have the passion and adventure in our soul to do everything together. They can walk in our doors as guests and leave as family.”

Before joining Cape, Jones was assistant principal at Highlands Elementary in Wilmington. She was named National Association of Elementary Principals Assistant Principal of the Year in 2018 and 2020, and was nominated twice for the national LifeChanger of the Year Award.

After earning her bachelor’s degree from Delaware State University, Jones completed graduate coursework at Grand Canyon University, and she holds an education specialist degree. 

She recently completed the National Aspiring Principals Academy through the National Association of Elementary School Principals and the School Superintendents Association. 

In this year-long program, Jones collaborated with fellow educators worldwide in a focused study on building professional learning communities, leading for equity, understanding governance, and addressing critical issues and trends.

Jones said the experience was a true growth opportunity that allowed her to learn from different perspectives.

“I realized we all have the opportunity to expand,” she said. “There are multiple ways to lead.”

Born and raised in Wilmington, where she still lives, Jones also shares a family home in Lewes. She has three grown children and one grandson.