Dr. Eric T. Jones, superintendent of Jackson-Madison County School System, is parting ways with the Board of Education, citing a “fundamental divide” with most of his bosses.
Jones informed the board Friday of his decision by writing a letter of resignation.
Jones, a Mississippi native, joined JMCSS as superintendent in 2017, according to a web archive of his school district biography.
Community news blog Our Jackson Home said in August 2017, when Jones was hired, that he was the fourth superintendent in a decade.
[pdf-embedder url=”https://tennesseestar.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Eric-Jones-resignation-letter.pdf”]
In his letter to the School Board, Jones said:
“We have made great progress, but I know there is still much work to be done. However, I no longer believe I am the best person to lead JMCSS. There is a fundamental divide between what I see as my role as superintendent and what a majority of the board believes it to be. Without the freedom to lead, a leader’s purpose is lost. For this reason and others, I am stepping aside. My last day as superintendent will be June 30, 2019.”
Jones’ supporters took to Twitter to show their appreciation for his work and to blast his detractors.
One of those supporters, Alan Castleman, tweeted, “As a Realtor helping relocation clients decide on Jackson as their home, Ive [sic] been excited to Tout our Improving School System & leader @DrEricTJones new direction! Extremely Disappointed of the news yesterday-Hoping He sees how much we appreciate him #reconsider #standwithdrjones”.
As a Realtor helping relocation clients decide on Jackson as their home, Ive been excited to Tout our Improving School System & leader @DrEricTJones new direction! Extremely Disappointed of the news yesterday-Hoping He sees how much we appreciate him #reconsider #standwithdrjones
— Alan Castleman (@alansellsre) April 13, 2019
Another supporter, Drew Yates, tweeted, “Certain elected officials would prefer their personal agendas above those of the community. Our kids, teachers, and administrators suffer the repercussions. Area industry will feel the effects of running off @DrEricTJones for years. You know who you are and should be ashamed.”
Certain elected officials would prefer their personal agendas above those of the community. Our kids, teachers, and administrators suffer the repercussions. Area industry will feel the effects of running off @DrEricTJones for years. You know who you are and should be ashamed.
— Drew Yates (@drewyates11) April 13, 2019
According to a story by WBBJ, School Board Chairman Kevin Alexander said in a statement:
“I regret to hear that Dr. Eric Jones has officially tendered his resignation. I appreciate his tenure and all that he has accomplished in these last two years. I was fortunate to serve on the Board when we selected him and I was delighted with his selection as our new superintendent. I have always considered him as a friend.
I know I have encouraged Dr. Jones to remain our superintendent over the last few weeks, as I’m sure other board members have too. Nevertheless, I understand he is making a decision which he feels is best for he and his family. I wish them well in all future endeavors.
Alexander said the School Board would meet within 10 days to accept the resignation and talk about finding the next superintendent.
– – –
Jason M. Reynolds has more than 20 years’ experience as a journalist at outlets of all sizes.
