Deb Jones resigns from RCAS as high school principal

by Amanda Polaski– Staff Writer

After five years with the Rogers City Area School system, high school principal Deb Jones announced her resignation last Thursday in order to take a position as the special education director for the West Branch-Rose City School District. Jones, who has a degree in educational leadership, begins her new position on Tuesday, September 4. She started her career in Rogers City on July 1, 2002 as the elementary school principal. She worked the past three years as the K-12 principal.

DURING HER five years in Rogers City, Jones has overseen a new computer and language lab. She has been a witness to continually rising MEAP scores, and this past year helped celebrate as a Rogers City student received an appointment to West Pointe. ?While in Rogers City, there were four teachers who went to regionals for teacher of the year,? said Jones. ?We also had one teacher receive the Crystal Apple award this past year.? As principal, Jones said she encouraged the special education department to participate in the Grand Valley State University sponsored START (Statewide Autism and Resources Training) grant, enabling the set up of the Links Program, which pairs students in need with mentors. ?The kids and the teachers have done a great job at maintaining the program, and doing what is best for the students,? said Jones.

Although Jones is excited to begin her new position, she is sad to leave her role at RCAS. ?It is a great staff here,? said Jones. ?The students and parents are wonderful, and it has been a joy to work here.? Jones? excitement over her new position has been paired with even more excitement as her son, Scott, recently returned from the Persian Gulf. ?He came home last week,? said Jones. ?He had been gone for 10 of the past 12 months.?

WITH THE sudden vacancy of Jones? position, the Rogers City administration is working quickly t

o find a worthy replacement. ?The job has been posted, and we will be receiving applications through September 7,? said superintendent Dan Byrne. ?Once we have applicants, we?ll go from there.? Until a new 6-12 principal is hired, Byrne will act as K-12 principal, as well as superintendent. Meanwhile, Rogers City schools are preparing for the rapidly approaching school year. ?The elementary building is coming right along,? said Byrne. ?They started moving back in last Wednesday, and we had our kindergarten orientation. We?ll be moving ahead systematically, and we are anticipating a normal start to the school year.?

Byrne said that although the resignation of Jones puts the school system in high gear, it is a situation they can overcome. ?Everyone will pull through this challenge,? said Byrne. ?They?ve been through this before, and we?ll work together to pull through this time as well.?