Doris Hope-Jackson's tenure at Willow Run appears to be nearing an end
Doris Hope-Jackson’s career in the Willow Run school district appears to be in its final days.
But where she is - and how her tenure may end - remains a mystery.
Doris Hope-Jackson
District officials - including board president Sheri Washington and acting Superintendent Laura Lisiscki - declined to answer questions about Hope-Jackson’s status with the district Thursday, citing personnel matters. Other board members and administrators referred questions to Lisiscki and Washington.
The buzz among parents, teachers and community members is that Hope-Jackson, who currently is the director of information and assessment for the district, is on her way out. Hope-Jackson was the superintendent for three years before being moved into a newly created position in December.
Hope-Jackson could not be reached Thursday. An e-mail sent to her Willow Run e-mail address resulted in an automated response, noting she’d be out of the office from Jan. 29 to Feb. 5. A call to her Willow Run office was answered by a voicemail greeting saying she would be out of the office from Feb. 1 to Feb. 8.
Washington wouldn’t reveal whether Hope-Jackson has been suspended for any reason and won’t say whether the process to fire her is under way.
Also generating the same speculation is Laconda Hicks, the district’s director of student and teacher services. She also couldn’t be reached for comment.
Throughout her tenure at Willow Run, Hope-Jackson has been dogged by controversy. In July, a new school board with a majority of members aligned against Hope-Jackson took control of the district.
Hope-Jackson has two years left on her contract, which sets her pay at $122,400 a year. The contract calls for that amount to be paid if the board fires her without cause.
The Willow Run school board will next meet Feb. 18.
David Jesse covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at davidjesse@annarbor.com or at 734-623-2534.
Comments
Stephanie
Sun, Feb 14, 2010 : 8:04 p.m.
If she is so unfit for the job, how did she get selected in the first place?
Judy
Sat, Feb 13, 2010 : 9:52 a.m.
There are no details in this story! So doesn't answer her phone. What does this mean? Are we to assume that she was fired? And, Hicks is under suspicion for what?
Ryan Munson
Fri, Feb 12, 2010 : 10:09 p.m.
I hope she leaves Michigan for good.
jondhall
Fri, Feb 12, 2010 : 11:54 a.m.
Please let us not give up on "Willow Run"! Some excellent management and this school will be back! One person does not make a District the students and the [parents make the District. I have not given up on the "Run"! They will be back!
mbenin
Fri, Feb 12, 2010 : 11:24 a.m.
This is just so sad! I just heard about her getting escorted out of the building yesterday. I am just totally disgusted with this school system. And my daughter will not be returning WRCS next year. I believe everyone involved is to blame for all of the nonsense that is going on in that school district. I just wish the State would take over.
mama247
Fri, Feb 12, 2010 : 9:06 a.m.
Doris Hope-Jackson was nicknamed "Hopeless"-Jackson for good reason. Her blatant disrespect of students, parents and staff AND education has been an abomination, adding insult and more injury to a district already injured by economic disparity and decades of struggle. Hopefully, she and Laconda Hicks, who only used her "work" as a stepping stone to aggrandize her own academic path and career-- continually showing savage disregard for her duties-- are gone from the district. Many fine WRCS administrators and teachers, as well as other committed staff, will be left to pick up the pieces, yet again. Oh, yeah, Doris and Laconda, take your money and RUN! You obviously have cared nothing about our wonderful children. Please, "ladies", RUN out of the educational field... forever!
The Picker
Fri, Feb 12, 2010 : 8:11 a.m.
122K?, Really! Was she the best they could get for that kind of money? This women was a time bomb when she was hired, but she was politically correct. At least the citizens have fired the board that hired her. Its time to clean house in WR and give the children and taxpayers a decent product for their money
Cash
Fri, Feb 12, 2010 : 7:18 a.m.
And on and on goes the embarrassment called Willow Run. If there was ever a case for "move on", it's this school district. I might as well flush the school portion of my taxes paid....down the toilet.
ypsimom41
Fri, Feb 12, 2010 : 7:10 a.m.
Good job David, in bringing this information to light!