Parchment News

Hello Panther Family,

As we all know, change is inevitable. And this fall, Parchment School District will be adjusting to a significant change. Superintendent Jason Misner has accepted a position with Glen Lake Community Schools and the Parchment School District will be hiring a new Superintendent. Jason has left quite a legacy here and will certainly be missed. We wish him well in his new endeavor. 

I was hired by the Board in late July to serve as interim Superintendent. The search for the next district leader is underway. If all goes as planned, that individual will be on board in October. The Board has taken a very deliberate approach to the process with the development of a candidate profile based on input from all stakeholders. I am confident that they will find an outstanding individual to serve in this critical role.

Like most, this summer seemed to fly by. It’s hard to believe that it is Back to School time. District personnel have been hard at work making all the necessary preparations for a successful start of the new school year. In my very short tenure here, I have been incredibly impressed by the very obvious dedication to our students demonstrated by the PSD team. Our students and families are fortunate to have this team in our kids’ corner.

Among the questions that may be on the minds of many is: “what impact, if any, will Covid have on our school operations?” As we’ve learned over these past 2-plus years, Covid is continually changing as is the public response. Superintendents from Kalamazoo County recently met with the county health department to hear more about their position and recommendations on the current status of Covid. At this time, the health department anticipates no mandated actions such as masking, contact tracing, etc. Quarantines for individuals who test positive will remain. The health department is still recommending vaccination for those who are eligible and asking that individuals with Covid symptoms remain home and test for infection. Students, staff, and parents who feel more comfortable masking in the school setting are certainly encouraged to do so. 

As we monitor conditions at the local, state, and national levels, Parchment School District will continue to operate according to the guidance of our county health department. Please know that changes to the current policies are subject to change. If you have any questions about our policies, please contact me. 

I am here to serve and honored to have been selected by the PSD Board to support you during this transition.

Go Panthers!

Chris Rice
Interim Superintendent