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Grapeland ISD Superintendent Don Jackson Announces Retirement

By Greg Ritchie

Messenger Reporter

GRAPELAND – In a letter presented to the Grapeland Independent School District (GISD) school board, Don Jackson announced his retirement as superintendent after the current school year. 

The letter said:

“After 35 years of service, I am planning on retiring on June 30th, 2023. I wanted to notify you early so GISD will have ample time to plan and to move forward. It was absolutely great to serve in Grapeland ISD. As I look back over my my time here in Grapeland, I believe I can truly say…I am leaving it better than I found it.

Thank you for the opportunity to achieve my goal of becoming a superintendent. I am now looking to retire and rehire in a position where I am solely focused on the education, motivation and inspiration of young people. 

My wife and I plan to remain in Grapeland and continue to serve at Grace Bible Church and make Grapeland our home. We are looking forward to what God has for us as we near the fourth and final quarter of our Lives.

In conclusion, although our Team of Eight (GISD school board) has accomplished much, we are living in challenging times and there is much left to accomplish. I want you to know I’m hoping that our school and our community continues to thrive and I am strongly engaged in helping GISD transition to their next Superintendent.

Thank you all again, from the bottom of my heart…God bless you.”

Jackson told The Messenger he was looking forward to another way to educate kids after some much needed rest. He reiterated he and his wife plan to stay in Grapeland and he will continue his role as pastor of Grace Bible Church. 

The GISD board meeting covered the topic of transitioning to a four-day week, which would mean longer days for students and staff. In a survey of GISD teachers and staff, over 94% were for the move. They cited their main reason for supporting the measure would be to cut down on absenteeism since every weekend would be a three-day weekend which would allow students and staff to make short trips without interfering with the school schedule. The kids will take home surveys this week for parents, and then more work will need to be done before such a plan can be implemented. Many school districts in Texas have moved to a four-day week. 

Jackson also honored Logan Bush, the three-year old GISD Early Learning Center student who recently passed away. Jackson mourned for the loss and grieved with the Bush family and the whole community. 

A script has been prepared and a historical monument ordered for the W. R. Banks High School. Jackson told the GISD board more work needs to be done at the facility including an asbestos survey and some demolition work. The monument should be installed sometime after the first of the year. 

GISD elementary school para-professionals were honored at the meeting along with the eighth grade quiz team, Mrs. Amanda Kinkade and Junior High Teacher Adam Murray. 

Greg Ritchie can be reached at [email protected]

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