Jackson Area Career Center announces new Assistant Principal

Jackson, Mich. - The Jackson Area Career Center has a new Assistant Principal on staff for the 2023-24 school year.

Phil VanAllen is joining Assistant Principal Lauren Kyser and Principal Dan Draper on the JACC administration team. Mr. VanAllen previously held the role of principal at Jackson Public Schools’ Northeast Elementary, and will support student services in this position. He replaces Assistant Principal Lauren Sager, who is returning to the classroom this year to teach Cosmetology, a role she held for several years prior to her two years as an administrator.

“We’re excited for Phil to join the Career Center team and help us continue making it a destination for students to explore their career path,” said Principal Dan Draper. “We welcome his student-centered mentality and ultimate goal to provide opportunities for their success.”

Mr. VanAllen has a master’s degree in K-12 Administration from Michigan State University, and a bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University. Previous to his roles as principal and assistant principal at Northeast Elementary, Montessori, and Bennett Elementary, Mr. VanAllen was also an assistant principal, teacher and success coach at schools in Taylor and Ann Arbor. 

Mr. VanAllen is no stranger to career and technical education (CTE). He took classes as a high school student at Saline High School and is excited to be a part of a district that offers those opportunities. “There are so many different options at the Career Center, giving students a chance to see what their future could look like,” said Mr. VanAllen. “I’m really excited to watch them grow from those experiences as 11th and 12th graders and see what they can do moving forward.”