A Message From Our Superintendent, Dr. Caterria B. Payton
Posted Date: 04/17/26 (05:00 PM)
To Our Pascagoula Gautier School District Families and Community,
The strength of a community is revealed in how we stand together in times of change.
During the Pascagoula-Gautier School District Board of Trustees meeting on April 13, 2026, the decision was made to relocate the students and staff of Jackson Elementary to Cherokee Elementary for the 2026-2027 school year. I know that for many of you, Jackson is more than a school. It is a place where children grow, families are connected, and memories are formed across generations. I understand the weight of this transition, and I want you to know it has been felt and carefully considered.
This decision was not made lightly. We listened as parents, grandparents, alumni, and staff shared their stories and their deep connection to Jackson. Your voices mattered, and they were heard. While the building may change, our commitment does not. Every child will continue to have a safe, stable, and high quality learning environment where they are seen, known, and valued.
To our students and families, a school is never just a place. It is the relationships, the sense of belonging, and the moments that shape who our children become. As this transition unfolds, you are not leaving that behind. You are carrying the heart of your community with you. When our students walk into Cherokee Elementary, they will not feel like outsiders. They will feel like they belong, because we will ensure that they do.
To our faculty and staff, you are the foundation of everything we do. The strength of Jackson Elementary has always lived in you. It lives in the way you show up for children each day, in the care you give, and in the expectations you hold. Our students will look to you for reassurance and stability. Your presence will remind them that while the setting may change, the people who believe in them have not.
As we move forward, this is a time to come together. We will honor the legacy of Jackson Elementary with intention and respect, while preparing for what comes next. Change is not easy, but we are not walking through it alone. We will support one another, stay grounded in what matters most, and ensure that every student continues to experience a school where they are supported to rise to their highest potential.
We will move forward together, with purpose and with care.
The strength of a community is revealed in how we stand together in times of change.
During the Pascagoula-Gautier School District Board of Trustees meeting on April 13, 2026, the decision was made to relocate the students and staff of Jackson Elementary to Cherokee Elementary for the 2026-2027 school year. I know that for many of you, Jackson is more than a school. It is a place where children grow, families are connected, and memories are formed across generations. I understand the weight of this transition, and I want you to know it has been felt and carefully considered.
This decision was not made lightly. We listened as parents, grandparents, alumni, and staff shared their stories and their deep connection to Jackson. Your voices mattered, and they were heard. While the building may change, our commitment does not. Every child will continue to have a safe, stable, and high quality learning environment where they are seen, known, and valued.
To our students and families, a school is never just a place. It is the relationships, the sense of belonging, and the moments that shape who our children become. As this transition unfolds, you are not leaving that behind. You are carrying the heart of your community with you. When our students walk into Cherokee Elementary, they will not feel like outsiders. They will feel like they belong, because we will ensure that they do.
To our faculty and staff, you are the foundation of everything we do. The strength of Jackson Elementary has always lived in you. It lives in the way you show up for children each day, in the care you give, and in the expectations you hold. Our students will look to you for reassurance and stability. Your presence will remind them that while the setting may change, the people who believe in them have not.
As we move forward, this is a time to come together. We will honor the legacy of Jackson Elementary with intention and respect, while preparing for what comes next. Change is not easy, but we are not walking through it alone. We will support one another, stay grounded in what matters most, and ensure that every student continues to experience a school where they are supported to rise to their highest potential.
We will move forward together, with purpose and with care.
Dr. Caterria B. Payton,
Superintendent