Current Happenings

JACKSON, Mich. — For five decades, the Jackson Area Career Center has helped students discover their strengths, develop real-world skills and prepare for their futures. On Wednesday, September 16, the Career Center will welcome alumni, former employees, community partners, students and families to celebrate that legacy.

The 50th Anniversary Celebration and Back to School Open House will take place from 4–7 p.m. at 6800 Browns Lake Road in Jackson. The event is free and open to the community.

Under the theme “Careers Happen Here: Then, Now, Always,” the celebration will feature historical photographs, memorabilia and displays highlighting milestones from each decade. Guests can reconnect with former classmates and colleagues, visit program spaces, and see how career and technical education has evolved.  

“The Career Center’s 50th anniversary reflects its longstanding impact on the Jackson community through quality, life-changing career education,” said Dan Draper, JCISD assistant superintendent and JACC principal. “While our programs have continued to evolve, the goal has remained the same: developing the next generation of workforce talent. Our staff have helped transform the lives of tens of thousands of students by providing opportunities that could only exist through the Career Center.”

The Career Center opened on September 9, 1976 with 32 programs, following years of community planning and support for a countywide vocational education center. Today, it offers more than 20 career and technical education programs, giving students opportunities to earn industry credentials, college credit and hands-on workplace experience.

Planning for the anniversary has brought current employees and retirees together to preserve photographs, documents and stories from throughout the school’s history.

“Uncovering the Career Center’s history has been such an exciting and rewarding process,” said Kaci Babineau, JCISD marketing and special projects coordinator. “Every photograph, document and conversation adds another piece to a story shared by so many people throughout our community. We hope alumni, former staff and community partners will recognize part of their own experience and see how their contributions helped shape the Career Center we know today.”

Local media are invited to share the Career Center’s story in advance and attend the September 16 celebration. Interviews with school leaders, retirees, alumni and event organizers can be arranged. Historical photographs and archival materials are also available for coverage.

Event Details

What: JACC 50th Anniversary Celebration and Back to School Open House
When: Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 4–7 p.m.
Where: Jackson Area Career Center, 6800 Browns Lake Road, Jackson
Who: Alumni, former and current employees, students, families, community partners and the public

Contact: Kaci Babineau, JCISD Communications, kaci.babineau@jcisd.org, 517-768-5216

 

Jackson, Mich. – The Jackson County Intermediate School District (JCISD) Board of Education voted unanimously to offer the position of superintendent to Maureen Keene, Ed.S., following a public interview and Board deliberation.

Keene, who currently serves as Assistant Superintendent and Director of Special Education, was the only internal candidate to apply for the position. During the interview, she shared her leadership philosophy and vision for the district, emphasizing alignment with JCISD’s guiding principles of Instruction, Leadership, Service, and Community.

Keene described her leadership approach as visible, transparent, and collaborative, focusing on maintaining stability for students and staff while thoughtfully evolving systems to meet emerging needs. She emphasized building trust, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring clarity and purpose across the organization.

“I believe strong leadership is built on trust, service begins with listening, strong communities are built through collaboration, and quality instruction depends on clarity,” Keene said. “I am ready to lead this district with stability, integrity, and a clear focus on what is best for students, staff, and our community.”

Keene brings nearly three decades of experience in education, including 20 years in administration. In her current role, she leads a staff of more than 500 and oversees the largest budget within JCISD. Her experience includes close collaboration with every school district in Jackson County and leadership of district-wide initiatives.

The Board’s interview included questions across five focus areas: visionary leadership, operational and financial management, personnel and culture, stakeholder relations, and strategic decision-making.

Following the interview, Board members shared their reasons for supporting the motion, citing Keene’s experience, institutional knowledge, and mentorship under outgoing Superintendent Kevin Oxley. Board members expressed confidence that her background and leadership style position her well to guide the district forward.

“The Board is looking forward to Maureen continuing the trajectory of excellence and cooperation of the JCISD,” said Board President Dave Salsbury. “We have had the opportunity to see Maureen rise to a position of prominence and very capable leadership. We received recommendations from her peers saying that she was ready and they wanted to work with her. We are proud to have Maureen move to this new phase in her career.”

Mrs. Keene will begin her new position as Superintendent on July 1, 2026.  The offer is part of the district’s planned leadership transition following Oxley’s announced retirement at the end of the 2025-26 school year.

 

January 8, 2026

The Jackson County ISD Board of Education met on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at the Kratz Education Center for the purpose of determining the process for hiring the district's next Superintendent.

At the December Board meeting, Superintendent Kevin Oxley notified board members of his plans to retire at the end of the 2025-26 school year. His final day of employment will be June 30, 2026. During that meeting, JCISD Board President Dave Salsbury made a motion to post the position internally, with applications being accepted through January 2, 2026.

At Tuesday's meeting, the Board finalized the superintendent search process and approved the timeline for interviews and selection. Key dates include candidate interviews on January 27, a possible second round on February 10, and an anticipated announcement of the selected candidate or decision to pursue an external search on February 17. The motion to finalize the process was approved unanimously.

The Board selected applicant Maureen Keene, JCISD Assistant Superintendent and Director of Special Education, to be interviewed for the superintendent position on January 27 at 5:00 p.m. at the Kratz Education Center. This interview is open to the public.

Press Release - December 17, 2025

Jackson, Mich. – After nearly two decades of service to the Jackson County Intermediate School District, Superintendent Kevin Oxley has formally announced his retirement in a letter to the JCISD Board of Education. His decision concludes a 17-year chapter characterized by steady leadership, meaningful systemwide improvements, and a strong commitment to serving the students and families of Jackson County. Before becoming superintendent, Oxley served as a teacher in Reed City, Michigan, held administrative roles at both Northwest Community Schools and the Western School District, and later served as the JCISD’s Director of Career and Secondary Education and Assistant Superintendent.

In his letter to the Board, Superintendent Oxley shared that the decision comes with both excitement and sadness. “I’ve lived my life on a school-year calendar since I was four years old and I’m excited to ‘graduate’ and begin a new chapter”, he wrote. He also expressed deep gratitude to current and past members of the JCISD Board of Education for their guidance and support, adding that he is confident the organization will continue to do great things for the students of Jackson County well into the future.

“Serving JCISD has been the honor of my professional life,” Oxley stated. “I am deeply grateful for the efforts of our board, staff, families, and community partners who have helped build a strong system of supports for our county’s students.”

Under his leadership, the JCISD saw significant progress that enhanced services across the county and broadened opportunities for students. Key achievements include:

• Improving facilities with a focus on safety and security, ensuring students and staff have welcoming, modern learning environments

• Offering shared business, technology, and state reporting services that help local districts save money and redirect more resources to classrooms

• Working with a collaborative network of superintendents, giving districts a stronger, more unified voice

• Creating a clearer, more equitable system for how special education reimbursement funds are distributed

• Maintaining strong community support for the countywide special education enhancement millage

• Being a part of the significant growth of the Jackson County Early College (JCEC) and helping shape it into a powerful pathway for students

• Expanding early childhood programming, helping more families access high-quality learning and care

• Supporting community-driven initiatives, including the College and Career Access Center and the Handle With Care program

“Superintendent Oxley has been a tremendous asset to the JCISD and to the entire educational community of Jackson County,” said David Salsbury, president of the JCISD Board of Education. “While we are saddened to see him step into retirement, we are deeply grateful for all he has accomplished for our students. A superintendent must balance many responsibilities, but above all, must keep the needs of young people at the forefront. Kevin has consistently done just that, always making students his top priority.”

Superintendent Kevin Oxley’s last day will be June 30, 2026, with retirement officially beginning July 1, 2026. The JCISD Board of Education will begin the transition process immediately by posting the superintendent position internally, with applications accepted through January 2, 2026. Following the close of the posting, the Board will review all submissions and move forward with scheduling interviews.