To:   Our Jackson County Community

From:   Jackson County Superintendent Association

Re:  Return to School Planning

Date:  July 25, 2020

The Jackson County Superintendent Association has been meeting regularly throughout the summer to support each other and work collaboratively on developing safe, responsive, and educationally sound plans for returning to school this fall.  This is very challenging work, but know we are committed to making sure every student has the opportunity for a safe, quality educational experience and every staff member involved in providing that experience is supported and provided a safe work environment.

Each district is working with their staff members to develop plans for in-person instruction, on-line instruction and the ability to move between these options depending on the extent of the Covid virus and/or mandates from state authorities.  Districts are also partnering with the Jackson County Health Department to make sure we are benefiting from their expertise.

Because each district has unique capabilities and challenges as they meet the expectations of their constituents, not every district plan will look exactly the same. Therefore, you can expect that specific information concerning your district’s plan will come directly from the district your student is attending.  However, all districts are coordinating their efforts to make sure an individual district plan does not prevent a student from having access to a countywide, center-based option such as the Jackson Area Career Center.  

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we take this time to work with our staff members on developing these plans.  We also invite your input and hope you will participate in the various surveys that have been sent out by districts/schools.

All school employees take very seriously the trust you have put in them to provide your students with the best possible education.  While the coming school year will not be without its challenges, your local districts are approaching their planning with optimistic enthusiasm, and look forward to serving your children and the greater community.

Sincerely, 

Dr. Pamela Campbell, Columbia School District

Ms. Rebecca Hutchinson, Concord Community Schools

Ms. Sandy Maxson, da Vinci Schools

Mr. Stephen Doerr, East Jackson Community Schools

Dr. Ryle Kiser, Grass Lake Community Schools

Mr. John Denney, Hanover-Horton Schools

Mr. Kevin Oxley, Jackson County Intermediate School District

Mr. Jeffrey Beal, Jackson Public Schools

Mr. Brady Cook, Michigan Center School District

Mr. James Graham, Napoleon Community Schools

Mr. Geoff Bontrager, Northwest Community Schools

Mr. Bob Cassiday, Springport Public Schools

Mr. Scott Leach, Vandercook Lake Schools

Mr. Michael Smajda, Western School District