It is with heartfelt excitement and deep gratitude that I join the OCSU family for the new school year as your superintendent. After a summer visiting schools, attending meetings, and getting to know some of you, I feel incredibly honored to be part of a community that values strong relationships, student success, and the tireless commitment of our educators, staff, families, and community partners. From our curious Pre-K learners to our high school seniors preparing for life beyond graduation, every student matters—and I’m thrilled to begin working together with you to support each of them in learning, growing, and thriving.

Every new school year brings fresh beginnings—and with that, change. This year, we’re introducing a new sister school model designed to foster collaboration, consistency, and connection across our schools. Alongside this, we welcome new members to our administrative team—leaders who bring deep commitment, experience, and fresh perspectives to our shared work. Change can be challenging, but it also opens the door to reflection, new ideas, and stronger relationships. Please be sure to ask questions as they come up, and know that we will make every effort to use our Facebook page, our updated website, email, and other means of communication to keep you informed.

Over the coming weeks and months, I’ll be spending time in classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, and lunchrooms—getting to know our students, staff, and families. I believe the best leadership begins with listening and cultivating transparency and trust. At the heart of our work is a shared vision: that each of our students will have pathways that lead them to success throughout their lives. Together, we’ll continue the vital work of creating learning environments that reflect the OCSU mission: to celebrate creativity, promote integrity and inclusion, and partner with families and communities to ensure students have access to a meaningful, 21st-century education.

So much goes into making each school day possible, and I’m deeply grateful for the many hands —from classrooms to buses, lunchrooms, offices to playgrounds—who work together to create safe, supportive, and inspiring spaces for our students to learn and thrive. And to our students—you are the reason we do this work. I can’t wait to meet you, cheer you on, and celebrate all that you’ll achieve this year.

Principals are putting the final touches on back-to-school plans and will be reaching out soon with everything you need to know—schedules, events, and other important updates to help you feel ready for day one. As we navigate new structures and experiences together, please don’t hesitate to ask questions, share your ideas, or reach out for support. We are here for one another—and we are better together.

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! Let’s make it a year filled with learning, connection, and purpose. Enjoy these last few weeks of summer—I’ll be seeing you soon!

Warmly,

Jackie Ramsay-Tolman

Superintendent, Orleans Central Supervisory Union