July 20, 2022

Jackson, Mich. - The Jackson County Intermediate School District is announcing new leadership at the Jackson Area Career Center for the 2022-23 school year. Mr. Dan Draper will serve as the career and technical education center’s new principal. Dr. Mark Pogliano, who served as principal of the Career Center for nearly ten years, will not be returning in the fall as he has accepted the Assistant Superintendent position at Penta Career Center in northern Ohio.

Mr. Draper previously served as the Career Center’s Assistant Principal of CTE and Academic Programs, a position he was hired for in July 2014. Previous to that, Mr. Draper spent ten years with the Hanover-Horton School District; first serving as a Math/Pre-engineering teacher, then Assistant Principal/Athletic Director, and High School Principal in his last year. Mr. Draper also oversees the Jackson Area College & Career Connection Early/Middle College (JAC3), a Career Center program that earned him “Educator of the Year” by the Jackson Area Manufacturers Association in 2019. 

“We are fortunate to have Dan Draper step into the role of Principal after being an Assistant Principal at JACC for the past eight years,” said Jackson County ISD Superintendent Kevin Oxley. “Lauren Sager, who was previously Dean of Students at the Career Center, will become the new Assistant Principal. Dan and Lauren will bring their experiences and knowledge of the Career Center, providing continuity and stability, while also bringing their own unique ideas and enthusiasm to these new leadership roles. I am confident that Mr. Draper, teamed with a great staff, will continue to build on the stellar reputation of the Jackson Area Career Center.”

Mr. Draper holds a Bachelor of Science from Alma College. He also earned a Specialist of Arts in Educational Leadership from Siena Heights University and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from Eastern Michigan University. 

“I'm so excited and humbled to be named principal of the Jackson Area Career Center,” said Mr. Draper. “The past 8 years have been outstanding and I look forward to leading the Career Center to have a greater impact on the youth of the Jackson County community. It is truly an honor to watch careers happen here!”