Dear Jackson County Community,
I want to reach out to our community to clarify the false rumors that have been made against the Jackson County Board of Education and myself. We have been accused of frivolous spending while making budget cuts. I can assure you that our money is being spent as budgeted and there have been no cuts. Every year the budget is prepared by the District’s Finance Officer and me. As part of this process, we review all needs for the district, which include instructional needs, buildings & grounds needs, transportation needs, staffing needs, technology needs, and an assortment of other needs.
Our students come first. Since I was named Superintendent, I have worked to ensure that our students have the best for their education. All students in Jackson County have chrome books and are being instructed with the newest curriculum available. We are currently in the process of updating our chrome books to continue this trend of providing the best for our students. Since I became Superintendent, the district has provided new curriculum coaches to collaborate with our teachers to make sure the students are receiving the best instruction.
We have provided raises for our staff. My first year, all full-time staff, certified and classified received a $1500 extra service pay that they had never received before. We provide the staff with up-to-date resources and provide the best professional learning possible.
This school year, we opened the Little Generals Learning Center to provide our staff with assistance in childcare.
Since I have been here, the district sets aside $150,000 for each building for maintenance and repairs. I am constantly communicating with my staff and asking each principal what they need, whether it be for instruction or for their buildings. Since I became Superintendent, we have begun the renovation process of Sand Gap and Tyner. The renovation at JCMS is about to wrap up. The issue with heat and air at JCMS are being addressed. Issues arose in the process that began before I became Superintendent that were uncovered last summer and through constant communication with the construction crew, we are working through the issues.
The district budgets and purchases two new school buses each year. We purchase top of the line buses in this expenditure to ensure reliability and student safety.
The most recent are the purchases of vehicles. Just like with our bus fleet, we have a fleet of vehicles that must be updated. While many false rumors have circulated on this issue, none of the vehicles are new or have been purchased for me to drive for personal use. The money for these vehicles is in our budget and board approved. The vehicles purchased were purchased with multiple uses in mind. They transport students to and from different events, whether it be for ballgames, academic competitions, organizational events and competitions and school representation. This is a more cost-effective means of transportation for our district. By using these vehicles, we can save on fuel, drivers, and wear and tear on the bus fleet.
These vehicles are also used for staff. They are driven to meetings, professional learning, school business, and sporting events. In total, four vehicles were purchased this school year, the purchase prices were within the allotted budget.
• 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Work Truck 4WD, $26,505
• 2022 GMC Yukon XL SLT $48,184
• 2022 Chevrolet Traverse LT Cloth $28,390
• 2023 Chevrolet Traverse LS $27,559
I have written this letter with the hopes of putting out the correct information. We always want to be transparent. Our goal is to serve our students, our staff, and the citizens of Jackson County. Everyone is welcome to attend our monthly board meetings. They are held on the third Monday each month at 6:00 at the Central Office.
Sincerely,
Renee Smith, Superintendent
I want to reach out to our community to clarify the false rumors that have been made against the Jackson County Board of Education and myself. We have been accused of frivolous spending while making budget cuts. I can assure you that our money is being spent as budgeted and there have been no cuts. Every year the budget is prepared by the District’s Finance Officer and me. As part of this process, we review all needs for the district, which include instructional needs, buildings & grounds needs, transportation needs, staffing needs, technology needs, and an assortment of other needs.
Our students come first. Since I was named Superintendent, I have worked to ensure that our students have the best for their education. All students in Jackson County have chrome books and are being instructed with the newest curriculum available. We are currently in the process of updating our chrome books to continue this trend of providing the best for our students. Since I became Superintendent, the district has provided new curriculum coaches to collaborate with our teachers to make sure the students are receiving the best instruction.
We have provided raises for our staff. My first year, all full-time staff, certified and classified received a $1500 extra service pay that they had never received before. We provide the staff with up-to-date resources and provide the best professional learning possible.
This school year, we opened the Little Generals Learning Center to provide our staff with assistance in childcare.
Since I have been here, the district sets aside $150,000 for each building for maintenance and repairs. I am constantly communicating with my staff and asking each principal what they need, whether it be for instruction or for their buildings. Since I became Superintendent, we have begun the renovation process of Sand Gap and Tyner. The renovation at JCMS is about to wrap up. The issue with heat and air at JCMS are being addressed. Issues arose in the process that began before I became Superintendent that were uncovered last summer and through constant communication with the construction crew, we are working through the issues.
The district budgets and purchases two new school buses each year. We purchase top of the line buses in this expenditure to ensure reliability and student safety.
The most recent are the purchases of vehicles. Just like with our bus fleet, we have a fleet of vehicles that must be updated. While many false rumors have circulated on this issue, none of the vehicles are new or have been purchased for me to drive for personal use. The money for these vehicles is in our budget and board approved. The vehicles purchased were purchased with multiple uses in mind. They transport students to and from different events, whether it be for ballgames, academic competitions, organizational events and competitions and school representation. This is a more cost-effective means of transportation for our district. By using these vehicles, we can save on fuel, drivers, and wear and tear on the bus fleet.
These vehicles are also used for staff. They are driven to meetings, professional learning, school business, and sporting events. In total, four vehicles were purchased this school year, the purchase prices were within the allotted budget.
• 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Work Truck 4WD, $26,505
• 2022 GMC Yukon XL SLT $48,184
• 2022 Chevrolet Traverse LT Cloth $28,390
• 2023 Chevrolet Traverse LS $27,559
I have written this letter with the hopes of putting out the correct information. We always want to be transparent. Our goal is to serve our students, our staff, and the citizens of Jackson County. Everyone is welcome to attend our monthly board meetings. They are held on the third Monday each month at 6:00 at the Central Office.
Sincerely,
Renee Smith, Superintendent
Jackson County students in grades 6–10 are invited to explore career opportunities at the Jackson County Area Technology Center After-School Camp. Students will have the chance to visit various shops and classrooms while participating in hands-on learning experiences. Each session will also include guest speakers, and a meal will be provided for all attendees.
Dates: April 15th, 22nd, and 29th
Time: 3:30 PM – 5:15 PM
Students are encouraged to attend all sessions to gain a better understanding of the programs offered at the ATC.
Program Areas Offered:
Health Science / Nursing
Carpentry
Welding
Business Administration
Automotive Technology
Important: We are limited to 60 participants per session, and transportation will be provided via bus to the ATC.
Please use the link below to register and select program areas of interest. Additional details are included in the form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9BNzzgnL8Jtctyx4QA0l86Md1gQhQGoCzZ_YGqNifsLO4dQ/viewform?usp=header
Dates: April 15th, 22nd, and 29th
Time: 3:30 PM – 5:15 PM
Students are encouraged to attend all sessions to gain a better understanding of the programs offered at the ATC.
Program Areas Offered:
Health Science / Nursing
Carpentry
Welding
Business Administration
Automotive Technology
Important: We are limited to 60 participants per session, and transportation will be provided via bus to the ATC.
Please use the link below to register and select program areas of interest. Additional details are included in the form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9BNzzgnL8Jtctyx4QA0l86Md1gQhQGoCzZ_YGqNifsLO4dQ/viewform?usp=header
See the attached letter concerning extending the school day.
Jackson County Schools will be closed Tuesday, March 17, 2026. This will be a traditional snow day. Staff will not report.
Jackson County Schools will be closed for students, Tuesday, March 17, 2026. All staff will report to their buildings 8:30-3:30.
Child Abuse Prevention Event
Jackson County Public Schools in Collaboration with our Attendance Championship sponsor, Commonwealth’s Attorney Haley Jo Fields, will be rewarding a Weekly Attendance Championship amongst our 5 district schools.
The winner will be announced every Monday and the winning school will be rewarded with the Weekly Attendance Championship Belt for the week.
The competition begins today and the first winner will be awarded this upcoming Monday!
Good luck to all students and schools, we look forward to awarding our first Champion!
The winner will be announced every Monday and the winning school will be rewarded with the Weekly Attendance Championship Belt for the week.
The competition begins today and the first winner will be awarded this upcoming Monday!
Good luck to all students and schools, we look forward to awarding our first Champion!
There WILL BE school in Jackson County tomorrow, Wednesday, February 25th. We look forward to seeing everyone!
Jackson County Schools will be closed Tuesday, February 24, 2026. This will be a traditional snow day.
Jackson County Schools will be closed on Monday, February 23, 2026. This will be a traditional snow day.
JCPS Statement regarding Bus Accident
I want to let everyone know that there has been a bus accident. Thankfully there are no serious injuries. All students have been examined by EMS and are being taken to the Jackson County Board of Education while parents are being contacted.
Help our our JAG program and donate some socks.
Jackson County Area Technology Center – Student Voice Survey Notification
Students at the Jackson County Area Technology Center will have the opportunity to participate in the Student Voice Survey. This anonymous survey provides students with an opportunity to share feedback regarding specific aspects of their classroom experience.
The survey will be administered during the school day and takes approximately 10–20 minutes to complete.
Only students who do not wish to participate are required to complete and return the opt-out form. If you do not want your child to participate, please sign and return the form by February 19, 2026. Forms are available at the ATC office.
This survey will be administered only to students enrolled in classes with the following instructors:
Automotive – Mr. Adkins
Carpentry – Mr. Maupin
Welding – Mr. Hurst
Health Science – Mrs. Bingham
Business Administration – Mrs. McQueen
If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact Brian Harris at 606-287-2163.
Thank you for your continued support.
Students at the Jackson County Area Technology Center will have the opportunity to participate in the Student Voice Survey. This anonymous survey provides students with an opportunity to share feedback regarding specific aspects of their classroom experience.
The survey will be administered during the school day and takes approximately 10–20 minutes to complete.
Only students who do not wish to participate are required to complete and return the opt-out form. If you do not want your child to participate, please sign and return the form by February 19, 2026. Forms are available at the ATC office.
This survey will be administered only to students enrolled in classes with the following instructors:
Automotive – Mr. Adkins
Carpentry – Mr. Maupin
Welding – Mr. Hurst
Health Science – Mrs. Bingham
Business Administration – Mrs. McQueen
If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact Brian Harris at 606-287-2163.
Thank you for your continued support.
Jackson County Schools will be back in session Thursday, February 12, 2026. All bus routes will run like normal. We can't wait to see everyone!
Jackson County Schools will be closed Wednesday, February 11, 2026. This will be a traditional snow day.
Jackson County Schools will be closed Tuesday, February 10, 2026. This will be a traditional snow day.
Jackson County Schools will be closed, Monday, February 9, 2026. This will be a traditional snow day.
Jackson County Schools will be closed Thursday, February 5, 2026 & Friday, February 6, 2026. These will be traditional snow days.
Jackson County Schools will be closed Wednesday, February 4, 2026. This will be a traditional snow day.