media release for new positions of Jenny Heath and Karen Rayner

Adrian, MI – In response to the upcoming retirement of Brian Jones, Lenawee Intermediate School District’s (LISD) longtime Executive Director of Instruction and General Services, the LISD has announced an administrative reorganization that will take effect on July 1, 2025. Mr. Jones will officially retire on June 30, 2025, after years of dedicated service.

To ensure continued excellence and leadership in the areas of curriculum, instruction, and general services, the LISD Board of Education approved key leadership appointments during its April and May board meetings.

Effective July 1, Jenny Heath, current Executive Director of Career & Technical Education (CTE) and Secondary Programs, will step into the newly created role of Assistant Superintendent – Instruction and General Services. Ms. Heath’s promotion was formally approved by the LISD Board on April 5, 2025.

In addition, at its May 5, 2025, meeting, the Board approved the hiring of Dr. Karen Rayner as Director of Instruction and General Services, also effective July 1.

Jenny Heath Named Assistant Superintendent – Instruction and General Services

Jenny Heath Photo

Ms. Heath, Executive Director of Career & Technical Education and Secondary Programs, brings over a decade of LISD leadership experience and a proven record of success in Career and Technical Education, curriculum development, and secondary instructional programs. Since joining the LISD in 2015, she has served in a variety of leadership roles, including as Principal of the LISD TECH Center and Executive Director of CTE & Secondary Programs. Her leadership has shaped local and regional educational programs, including oversight of the countywide CTE Plan and the Region 22 Perkins Grant.

In her new role, Heath will oversee a broad range of instructional and operational services, including secondary instruction, STEM initiatives, educational technology, and general services. She will supervise principals, directors, and program coordinators, guiding efforts aligned with the LISD’s strategic plan and commitment to innovation and equity.

Heath holds Michigan certifications in District-Level Curriculum & Instruction and School Administration and serves on the board of the Michigan Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Dr. Karen Rayner Appointed Director of Instruction and General Services

Karen Rayner Photo

Dr. Rayner, current LISD Coordinator – Instructional, Data Services, brings extensive experience in instructional leadership, data and assessment, and curriculum innovation. She currently serves as a Data, Assessment, & Evaluation Consultant for the LISD, supporting local districts with continuous improvement strategies and MTSS implementation. She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership in 2024 and has held leadership roles both in Michigan and abroad.

Her background includes service as Assistant Principal at ACS International School and as an IB Consultant, along with earlier roles in curriculum coordination and instructional support. Dr. Rayner’s expertise in implementation science, data analytics, and professional learning will be instrumental in advancing countywide instructional priorities.

As Director, Dr. Rayner will lead programs related to curriculum development, assessment, school improvement, professional development, and educational technology, working closely with local district leaders and state partners to support high-quality instruction across Lenawee County.

Commitment to Excellence

Superintendent Mark Haag praised both appointments, stating, “Jenny Heath and Karen Rayner bring a strong combination of strategic vision, instructional expertise, and collaborative leadership. Their skills and commitment will help guide LISD through this transition and continue to elevate educational outcomes across our region.”

The LISD remains dedicated to empowering students and supporting schools through innovative instructional services and collaborative partnerships. The administrative restructuring reflects the district’s strategic focus on leadership continuity, program alignment, and service excellence.

For additional information, please contact:
Ashley Pfund, Director of Public Relations
Lenawee Intermediate School District
(517) 264-9840
www.lisd.us