At the regular September Governing Board Meeting it was my great honor and privilege to announce and celebrate a truly remarkable milestone in the history of the Sacaton Elementary School District #18. Every September we announce the employees who have met longevity milestones here in the District. This year a new milestone in long-term retention and service has been accomplished.
This year we recognized and honored a woman whose name is synonymous with dedication, excellence, and heart in this district — Ms. Connie Jackson — known lovingly by generations of students, families, and colleagues simply as Ms. Jackson.
She has served the Sacaton School District #18 for fifty years. Let that sink in. For five decades, Ms. Jackson has been a constant force in our community — as a teacher, as an administrator, and above all, as a mentor, advocate, and friend to thousands of students and staff.
Through the years, education has changed — technologies have evolved, classrooms have transformed, and policies have come and gone — but one thing has remained consistent: Ms. Jackson’s unwavering commitment to the students of Sacaton. She taught not just lessons from textbooks, but lessons about life, resilience, compassion, and perseverance.
Many may recall their first day in Ms. Jackson’s classroom, or the way she made them feel seen and heard, or the steady hand she provided as a school leader. She has been the voice of wisdom in our District, the shoulder to lean on, and the heart at the center of so many of our biggest moments.
Her leadership as an educator has left an enduring legacy. She approaches every challenge with grace and grit, always guided by the belief that every child deserves a quality education and a caring environment in which to grow.
And perhaps what’s most extraordinary about Ms. Jackson is that she never did any of this for recognition. She did it because she believed — and still believes — in the promise of every child who walks through our doors.
Ms. Jackson, your 50 years of service are more than a measure of time — they are a testament to a life lived with purpose, passion, and deep commitment to the Sacaton community. Your impact is immeasurable, and your legacy is forever woven into the fabric of this district.
On behalf of Sacaton Elementary School District #18, and all the lives you’ve touched — thank you. Thank you for your service, your leadership, your love, and your unwavering belief in the power of education.
We celebrate you, Ms. Jackson, and we will carry your legacy forward for generations to come.
Congratulations, and with deepest gratitude — Superintendent Bob Lewandowski.