Adrian, MI – For more than three decades, Brian Jones has been a steady hand, a strategic mind, and a deeply compassionate leader in Lenawee County education. After 35 years of dedicated service—18 of those with the Lenawee Intermediate School District (LISD)—Brian is stepping into retirement, leaving behind a legacy defined by impact, innovation, and unwavering support for others.
From his early days as an assistant principal at Onsted High School to his final years as Executive Director of Instruction and General Services at the LISD, Brian’s career has been marked by a simple but powerful philosophy: invest in people.
“I felt like I had the biggest impact on individual students during my time at Onsted,” Brian shared. “I was shocked at the struggles students faced outside of school, and I realized how privileged my upbringing was. Celebrating their successes and helping with their challenges was deeply gratifying.”
While his career evolved from direct student support to system-level leadership, his heart for helping others never wavered. His work with the Lenawee Regional Implementation Team brought implementation science and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to life across the county—fostering a common language, shared systems, and new leadership pathways in local districts.
“Brian has led many countywide initiatives,” said Jody Howard, Coordinator of Behavior Health Services. “He brings organization, vision, and a ‘get it done’ attitude. He’s been the key communicator with the Michigan Department of Education and a consistent support to every district in Lenawee.” Howard also praised the thoughtful systems Brian developed, like shared Google workspaces and year-end retreats at his home on Devils Lake. “Those moments built relationships that extended beyond just the work,” she said. “That’s where his leadership truly shines—through connection.”
Brian’s influence extended deeply into professional learning and curriculum leadership. He played a crucial role in supporting new curriculum directors and helped grow a collaborative community focused on instructional growth and data-informed practices.
To Amanda Morris, Curriculum Consultant, Brian has been more than a colleague—he’s been a mentor in every sense of the word. “His mentorship has been foundational to my success in this role,” she shared. “He creates a space where questions are welcomed, and ideas can be shared without judgment. His wisdom deepens your understanding while empowering you to make your own decisions.”
She recalls a standout moment when Brian brought a touch of humor to a technical training on PDSA cycles, using a story from his own dating life to help the team connect with the concept. “That was such a classic Brian move—willing to put himself out there in service of others’ growth,” she said. “That team will never forget what a PDSA cycle is, and more importantly, they’ll never forget how Brian made learning feel approachable and fun.”
Amanda also reflected on the lasting influence of Brian’s leadership style: “Relational, thoughtful, and grounded. He prioritizes people and partnerships, and his steady presence builds trust across teams. His support gave me the confidence to grow, take risks, and lead. With Brian, you always felt like you were part of the inner circle—mostly because, with him, there was no outer circle.”
Among those who walked alongside Brian on this journey was Dr. Kelly Coffin, a longtime colleague and mentor. Their professional relationship began in 2004 when she stepped into her first principal role at Onsted Community Schools. “Brian was instrumental in helping me navigate those early days,” she shared. “His down-to-earth personality, sense of humor, and unwavering support made all the difference.”
Over the years, their collaboration evolved into a lasting friendship rooted in trust, laughter, and shared values. “You’re the kind of person who would give the shirt off your back to help someone,” she wrote in a letter to Brian. “I am undoubtedly a better educator and person because of you.” For Dr. Coffin—and many others—Brian’s legacy isn’t just about the systems he built, but the people he empowered. “You’ve always been the one we could count on, no matter how big or small the ask,” she added. “That generosity and responsiveness—those things are rare.”
That same spirit of generosity stood out to Julie Burkeen, LISD’s Professional Learning Coordinator. “He has this quiet and consistent way of making people feel valued,” she said. “He’d bring homemade snacks to meetings just to show he appreciated everyone’s time. I’ll miss his humor, his listening ear, and his kindness.”
Brian’s leadership leaves more than memories—it leaves a blueprint.
“Brian Jones’ retirement represents a significant moment for Lenawee County education,” said Mark Haag, LISD Superintendent. “In recent years, he has focused on building strong, sustainable systems, reminding us that schools must not be person-dependent but resilient enough to thrive through transitions. While his impact will continue through the systems he helped strengthen, Brian’s work ethic, expertise, collegial spirit, and leadership style will be deeply missed.”
As he looks ahead to retirement in Atlanta, Michigan, Brian’s plans include slowing down, ice fishing, gardening, and trail riding. But his heart remains with the people who shaped his journey—and those he mentored along the way.
“I hope the work of the many teams I’ve served on continues to have a positive impact on student achievement,” Brian said. “And I hope my colleagues always felt supported in our efforts together.”
When asked what advice he’d give to future education leaders, Brian didn’t hesitate: “Take the time to mentor people. Without support, many will never step into leadership roles—and education needs strong leaders more than ever.”
As Lenawee County says farewell to one of its most dependable and visionary educators, there’s no doubt: Brian Jones leaves things better than he found them. And in the systems he built, the people he empowered, and the relationships he nurtured, his legacy will carry on.