Current Happenings

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.

Written by: Kaci Babineau, JCISD Marketing & Special Projects Coordinator

September 11, 2025
Jackson, Mich. – When Paige Stacks was a student at the Lyle Torrant Center, she brought joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories to those around her. Years later, her impact continues to shine—this time through a heartfelt gift from her late aunt, Eleanor Trowbridge, whose generous donation has transformed learning spaces for current and future students.

The family requested that part of the donation support the music therapy program. With those funds, JCISD purchased several new instruments, including Joia Tubes—a vibrant percussion instrument that students can explore through sound, rhythm, and play. “We are so happy our current students can continue to learn in this fun way,” said music therapist Tomoko Page. “The Joia Tubes have been such a fun and exciting addition to our program. Just as Paige taught us, practice makes things better—we will practice hard to play this new instrument!”

The remainder of the gift was used to create two sensory gyms at JCISD North Campus. The sensory gyms are designed to support the physical, cognitive, and emotional development of students. With features like climbing walls, ladders, and monkey bars, the space allows therapists and staff to help students safely build motor skills while creating an inclusive environment for learning.

Earlier this month, Paige returned to North Campus with her family to see the sensory gym and a plaque installed in her honor. The family enjoyed seeing firsthand how Eleanor’s gift is already making a difference for current students.

JCISD teacher assistant Mia Johnson, who worked in Paige’s classroom during her time at Torrant, shared her memories:

“Not only was Paige a joy, but working with her became a defining moment for me early on at LTC (Lyle Torrant Center). I learned how to celebrate the small victories. Paige loved to bounce on an exercise ball during class, and my fondest memory was doing art projects together—one involved making popcorn trees for the hallway. I think we ate more than we glued, but you’ll never get me to tell you our secret!”

JCISD North Campus Principal Brittany O’Rourke says she’s proud to honor Paige and her family through this gift, which will benefit students for years to come. “The plaque near the new sensory gym now serves as a reminder of the generosity, love, and belief in the mission of JCISD that inspired Eleanor’s donation.”