Jackson, Mich. (WKHM) — Jackson Public Schools has recently announced multiple hirings within the district.

Destiney Davis has been named the new Principal of Cascades Elementary. Over the years, Ms. Davis has taken on a variety of leadership and instructional roles within Jackson Public Schools. Her experience includes serving as a French Language Teacher at the Middle School at Parkside, World Language Department Chair, and Director of the Back-to-Back French Exchange Program. She has also served as Assistant Principal at Parkside, and most recently, Assistant Principal at Cascades Elementary. Ms. Davis says she looks forward to continuing my work with staff,, students, and families to improve student outcomes and create a community where families know they have someone they can rely on and turn to when needed.

The Middle School at Parkside has officially hired Robert Bertke to be their new Principal. Mr. Bertke has been involved with JPS since 2015. He first joined the district as a student teacher at McCulloch Academy and later began teaching science for grades 6 through 8 at Parkside. Over the years, he has served in multiple roles, including Teacher, Coach, Assistant Principal, and most recently, Associate Principal at Middle School at Parkside. Mr. Bertke shared that he is excited, grateful, and honored to continue my journey at a place that feels like home.

The district also announced the hiring of a new Multi-Tiered System of Supports Coordinator in Heather Swaenepoel. With a teaching career that spans preschool through seventh grade, Mrs. Swaenepoel joined Jackson Public Schools in 2021 as a third-grade teacher during the opening of John R. Lewis Elementary. She currently serves as Assistant Principal at Northeast Elementary. Mrs. Swaenpoel says that she is excited about the opportunity to bring my experience, leadership, and deep commitment to student success to this role.