CAWKER CITY, KS – Jesse Janssen, the Superintendent of Lakeside Schools – Unified School District No. 272, announced his upcoming departure in a heartfelt letter to families and the community. Janssen will officially transition out of his role at the conclusion of the current school year.
A Decision Rooted in Family
In his announcement, Janssen noted that the decision to move on was not made lightly. He cited personal and family needs as the primary driver behind his transition, emphasizing a desire to provide better support for his family moving forward.
“This was not an easy decision,” Janssen wrote. “USD 272 is a truly special place, and that is because of the people who make up this district and community.”
Reflecting on a Strong Legacy
During his tenure, Janssen oversaw significant growth within the district, focusing on expanding student opportunities and strengthening the internal culture and systems. He expressed immense pride in the collective work of the staff and the unwavering support of local families.
Under his leadership, the district has maintained a focus on being “Waconda United,” a sentiment he echoed by stating that the district is currently in a “strong position” for future success.
Looking Ahead
While Janssen is moving on to a new position, he expressed a deep emotional connection to the Cawker City area and the relationships formed during his time in office.
Key Highlights of the Transition:
- Final Date: Janssen will remain in his role through the end of the school year.
- Focus: Finishing the academic year strong and celebrating student success.
- Next Steps: The Board of Education will likely begin the search for a successor in the coming months to ensure a smooth handoff for the next academic cycle.
Janssen concluded his letter by thanking the community for their trust: “It has truly been an honor to serve this district and community.”
Dear USD 272 Families and Community,
It has been an incredible honor to serve USD 272, and I am deeply grateful for everything this district and community have given my family and me.
I wanted to take a moment to share some personal news with you. After much thought and reflection, I have accepted a new position and will be transitioning from my role as Superintendent at the end of this school year. This decision was made with careful consideration and is based on personal and family needs as I work to ensure I am able to provide the support my family needs moving forward.
This was not an easy decision. USD 272 is a truly special place, and that is because of the people who make up this district and community. The relationships, the support for one another, and the shared commitment to doing what is best for students are what make this district so strong. My family and I have felt welcomed from the very beginning, and we have truly felt like part of the USD 272 family.
I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together. From expanding opportunities for students to strengthening our systems and culture, this work has been made possible through the dedication of our staff and the support of our families and community. USD 272 is in a strong position, and I have full confidence that the district will continue to grow and do great things for students in the years ahead.
More than anything, I will miss the people. The connections with students, families, staff, and community members are what make this work so meaningful, and those relationships will always stay with me. While I am excited for what lies ahead, it is difficult to step away from a place that has meant so much to me and my family.
Thank you for the trust you have placed in me during my time here and for the continued support you show to USD 272. It has truly been an honor to serve this district and community.
I look forward to finishing this school year strong together and celebrating the continued success of USD 272. #Waconda United
Sincerely,
Jesse Janssen
Dear USD 272 Families and Community,
It has been an incredible honor to serve USD 272, and I am deeply grateful for everything this district and community have given my family and me.
I wanted to take a moment to share some personal news with you. After much thought and reflection, I have accepted a new position and will be transitioning from my role as Superintendent at the end of this school year. This decision was made with careful consideration and is based on personal and family needs as I work to ensure I am able to provide the support my family needs moving forward.
This was not an easy decision. USD 272 is a truly special place, and that is because of the people who make up this district and community. The relationships, the support for one another, and the shared commitment to doing what is best for students are what make this district so strong. My family and I have felt welcomed from the very beginning, and we have truly felt like part of the USD 272 family.
I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together. From expanding opportunities for students to strengthening our systems and culture, this work has been made possible through the dedication of our staff and the support of our families and community. USD 272 is in a strong position, and I have full confidence that the district will continue to grow and do great things for students in the years ahead.
More than anything, I will miss the people. The connections with students, families, staff, and community members are what make this work so meaningful, and those relationships will always stay with me. While I am excited for what lies ahead, it is difficult to step away from a place that has meant so much to me and my family.
Thank you for the trust you have placed in me during my time here and for the continued support you show to USD 272. It has truly been an honor to serve this district and community.
I look forward to finishing this school year strong together and celebrating the continued success of USD 272. #Waconda United
Sincerely,
Jesse Janssen
