13-05-2025
‘Continuous improvement:' Jackson's new superintendent on new role
JACKSON, Mich. (WLNS) — The Jackson Public Schools school board approved the hiring of Superintendent of Secondary Curriculum Jeremy Patterson as the district's next superintendent in a 6-1 vote last week.
'I absolutely love it here. I think this community is a reflection of myself, having been a lifelong Jacksonian,' says Patterson. 'So this is personal, as far as professional.'
The Jackson native says he has several goals and a plan to promote student development.
'We have great programs, we have great people, and we just look to continue to engage our community to make sure we're servicing our students and our families,' says Patterson.
On June 1, Patterson, who graduated from Jackson High School in 1993, will replace current superintendent Jeff Beal after 11 years in Jackson Public Schools.
'My vision is continuous improvement,' says Patterson. 'You know, we always strive to do better each and every day. And so there's areas where we're being excellent, and there's goal setting, so we have a robust plan.'
Patterson says the focus remains on the students and equipping them with everything they need for the next stage of life.
'It happens with the dedication. It happens with the communication and the clear vision, and focusing on the needs of our students is the top priority,' says Patterson. 'They're the ones that we're serving, and we want them to be great moving into if it's college or career readiness, that they're well prepared by Jackson Public Schools.'
On May 6, the Jackson School Board signed off on a $126 million bond plan that Patterson says will address critical infrastructure needs for staff and students.
'Just programs that are going to attract the top educators in the state, as well as provide opportunities that students, again, if they want to go into trade programs, then we have opportunities to get those hands-on learning opportunities in addition to the advanced curriculum we already have in place.'
Patterson says his understanding of the community will help him succeed in the role.
'I think it all begins with trust, and having 27 years of experience with education, that helps,' says Patterson. 'And being of a community that I'm highly visible in, and they know that I listen and take those things into consideration.'
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