Kyra Williams
News Editor
The Manhattan Beach Unified School District and close friends of Robinson Elementary School Principal and former Manhattan Beach Middle School Principal John Jackson held a retirement party for him in the Manhattan Beach Middle School multi-purpose room on Jan. 11 in honor of his retirement at the end of the 2017 fall semester.
Jackson worked for the Manhattan Beach Unified School District for 13 years. Prior to working as the principal of Robinson Elementary for the Fall 2017 semester, Jackson served as Principal of Manhattan Beach Middle School for 11 years.
“Saying goodbye to Mr. Jackson is bittersweet,” MBUSD Director of Annual Appeal Hilary Mahan said. “He will be greatly missed but I am glad that he will now have time to focus on his own personal health and well-being.”
In an email sent to Robinson families in November, Jackson opened up about his growing struggle with Parkinson’s Disease and his plan to go on medical leave followed by retirement, Mahan said. Interim principal Phil Cott began his position at Robsinson Elementary on Jan. 8 and will continue through the end of the school year.
“Mr. Jackson has a heart of gold,” Mahan said. “His ability to reach every student had a huge impact on the entire district throughout his tenure. He will be greatly missed not only at Robinson, but by all of MBUSD.”
Families and staff members from Robinson Elementary School and Manhattan Beach Middle School along with district members came together to celebrate Jackson’s legacy. The district office and members of the community organized the retirement party.
“My favorite part [of the event] was the reunion feel to it,” Jackson said. “I was able to see and visit people who I have not seen in years, it was like one big reunion.”
The Mira Costa Choir Department and MBMS Band performed at the retirement party. Additionally, many of Jackson’s past and present coworkers, including teachers, administrators and MBUSD Superintendent Dr. Michael Matthews, attended and spoke at the event.
“John [Jackson] has been a good friend and mentor to many,” Costa Principal Dr. Ben Dale said. “He will be impossible to replace.”
Since his retirement, Jackson has been spending time with his grandchildren and plans to travel. He looks forward to finding ways to continue to be involved with the kids at Robinson, MBMS and Costa, he said.
“During my many years as principal, I learned that if you love and respect the kids, you will have their respect in return,” Jackson said. “Don’t sweat the small stuff.”
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