Jamie Cain leaving Port Huron Schools for RESA
Jamie Cain is resigning as Port Huron Schools' superintendent to "pursue a new opportunity" at St. Clair County Regional Educational Service Agency.
Cain has served as Port Huron's superintendent for seven years, starting his role in July of 2014.
Kevin Miller, RESA's superintendent, said Cain was set to take the position of director of administrative services a year ago, but decided to hold off as the COVID-19 pandemic was just beginning.
"I have so much respect for somebody who makes the right decision for the right reasons," Miller said.
Miller said a start date has not yet been set for Cain. The district said Cain will finish out the school year in his role as superintendent.
Cain will be filling the position Miller left when he became superintendent for RESA four years ago. Miller said as administrative positions have been vacated and not replaced, he decided last year the role was needed.
Miller said the position was reposted a few weeks ago as the impact of the pandemic started to wane.
Cain will make $124,164 annually.
Port Huron's Board of Education extended Cain's contract with the district in 2018 to run through 2023. The agreement specified Cain w be paid an annual salary of $180,000 and also receive an annual tax-sheltered annuity of $20,000, 40 personal days a year and a $600 monthly mileage reimbursement.
According to a district press release, highlights of his leadership in the district include:
- Passing $105.9 million “Building Tomorrow, Today” bond in 2016
- Academic gains and removal of multiple schools from requiring state assistance
- New curricular programs pre-K through 12
- Construction and establishment of the PHS Early Childhood Center
- STEAM labs and programs K through 12
- State of the art learning environments enhanced district wide
- Community partnerships with local organizations such as PJ Wallbank Springs, Inc., McLaren Port Huron
- Increased security with building infrastructure and three school resource officers in partnership with the Port Huron Police Department and St. Clair County Sheriff's Office
- Maintained fiscal excellence and strengthening of the organization’s financial resources, despite declining enrollment
- Leadership roles at both the local and state levels advocating for the needs of Port Huron students and families
“It’s been an honor and privilege to serve the students and families of the Port Huron Area School District,” Cain said in a statement. “I’m thankful for the great relationships I’ve built over the years and the wonderful staff in our district. The district has seen significant positive gains and momentum over the last seven years and I know the district will continue to thrive.
"I’m excited to begin a new chapter in my professional journey that will allow me to serve and influence the children and school districts across all of St. Clair County.”
Ann Murphy, PHASD board of education president said in a statement, “I was part of the team that hired Jamie and he has been an impressive leader throughout his tenure at Port Huron Schools. He will absolutely be missed, but the accomplishments that have been made in the past seven years will leave a lasting legacy that will benefit students for many years to come.”
Further information about his role at RESA have not been released.
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