Jason Little Obituary, Death; – All educational institutions within Ionia Public Schools were closed on Monday following the passing of a high school principal the previous week, as confirmed by the district superintendent.
Jason Little, the principal of Douglas R. Welch High School, was identified by IPS Superintendent Benjamin Gurk as the educator who was discovered deceased in the school during the overnight hours from Wednesday to Thursday.
“He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, having made a positive impact on countless students, colleagues, and community members. I personally felt fortunate to have him as a trusted friend,” Gurk expressed in a letter to the district’s community members.
The schools are scheduled to reopen on Tuesday and will resume their normal schedules, according to the district.
Little’s passing led the district to close Ionia High School, Welch High School, and the Bulldog Beginnings Preschool — all located on the same campus on E. Tuttle Road — on Thursday. Welch High School remained closed on Friday.
The Ionia Department of Public Safety has stated that it is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death. Police have not disclosed any details regarding the cause of death, but they indicated that they do not believe there is any threat to the community.
In a letter to the community on Thursday morning, which was subsequently released by the city, Ionia Public Schools Superintendent Ben Gurk fondly remembered the educator as cherished.
“Our thoughts are with the family, friends, colleagues, and students who are impacted by this significant loss,” Gurk wrote.
