Jackson County Superintendents Release Letter on Return to School Planning

The Middle School at Parkside where a “flipped classroom” model is in place for summer school, with students in the classroom 2 or 3 days a week and online learning supplementing in-person instruction the rest of the week. Jackson Public Schools has announced this model is likely to be in place when school returns in the fall. JTV photo.

(July 25, 2020 3:55 PM) The Jackson County Superintendent Association has released a letter to the community regarding plans for returning to school this fall. The superintendents of local public school districts in Jackson County, along with the superintendents of the Jackson County Intermediate School District and public charter school daVinci are members of the association.

The letter addressed to Jackson County Community:

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-19 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.

Signed,

Pamela Campbell, Columbia School District

Rebecca Hutchinson, Concord Community Schools

Sandy Maxson, daVinci Schools

Steve Doerr, East Jackson School District

Ryle Kiser, Grass Lake

John Denney, Hanover-Horton District

Jeff Beal, Jackson Public Schools

Brady Cook, Michigan Center School District

Jim Graham, Napoleon

Geoff Bontrager, Northwest Community Schools

Bob Cassiday, Springport