Jackson, Mich. — Jackson Public Schools welcomes Clifton Foster as the new Dean of Students at South Central Michigan Virtual School, and Crescenda Jones as the new Principal of Cascades Elementary School.
In 2000, Mr. Foster earned his undergraduate degree in Economics and Management from Albion College. After working several years in residential treatment programs, Mr. Foster began his career in education in 2003, serving 13 years as a Behavioral Specialist with Battle Creek Public Schools. In 2007, he received his Masters degree in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University. In 2016, he transitioned to the Lansing School District, where he served two years as a Student Services Specialist and four years as a Elementary/Middle School Principal.
“Over the last 20 years, I have had the opportunity to sharpen my skills as a leader and develop a deeper understanding of the importance of building relationships and having those relationships serve as a platform for personal development” said Mr. Foster. “ My experience in program development, staff supervision and evaluation, have created environments where people are positioned to do their absolute best to set and achieve goals. I look forward to collaborating my talents, skills and abilities with Jackson Public Schools.”
Ms. Crescenda Jones is a Flint Northwestern High School graduate Class of 1988. She attended Eastern Michigan University to attain her Bachelor’s Degree in Children’s Literature & Communications and completed a Teacher Certification Program. Ms. Jones finished her Master’s Degree in 2005 from Marygrove College with a focus in the Art of Teaching and obtained her second Master’s in Educational Leadership in 2013.
“I am truly honored to become a part of the Cascades and JPS community, which has already given me such a warm welcome! In just a few interactions with JPS staff, it is abundantly clear that JPS is a unique and special place to work,” said Ms. Jones. “ I am eager and excited to begin what promises to be a GREAT year at Cascades Elementary as we work to provide an academic experience for our students that is rigorous, relevant and builds relationships. As your principal, it is important to me that everyone who steps through our doors, staff, students, and parents, are excited to be here!”
