Ionia Public Schools has identified the educator found dead on campus Dec. 3 as Douglas R. Welch High School Principal Jason Little.
IPS Superintendent Ben Gurk confirmed the identity via email Dec. 6.
“(Little) leaves behind a remarkable legacy, having positively impacted countless students, colleagues and members of our community,” Gurk wrote in a statement. “I personally was blessed to be able to count on him as a trusted friend.”
IPS buildings were closed Dec. 8 so district families could attend Little’s visitation and funeral. The district has made grief counselors available to support students and staff.
“While each member of our school community grieves in their own unique way, we’ll continue to support each other and move forward together in a manner that honors (his) legacy,” Gurk wrote.
According to his obituary, Little attended Central Michigan University to study education and history, and was “a dedicated teacher for 12 years.”
“He impacted the lives of many students in Ionia Public Schools as a history and social studies teacher and the principal of Douglas R. Welch High School,” the obituary reads. “He dedicated his career to ensuring that every student had the chance to succeed.”
Welch High School consists of students in grades 10-12 who “might have struggled in the past,” according to the IPS website. The alternative high school has smaller class sizes, allowing for more one-on-one support.
A fundraiser has been created for Little’s family, including his wife and two young children. As of Dec. 8, over $16,000 had been raised, with a goal of $20,000.
“Jason was more than a teacher; he was a mentor, a friend and a guiding presence in the lives of his students,” the fundraiser reads. “His enthusiasm for history brought the past to life, while his kindness, patience and dedication inspired those around him.
“Outside the classroom, Jason loved to hunt, fish, camp and spend time with friends and family. He was always up for anything with a smile on his face and had a special talent for putting smiles on the faces of those around him.”
The fundraiser will help Little’s family with emergency expenses and establish college funds for his children.
A cause of death hasn’t been released. According to reporting from the Greenville Daily News, Ionia Public Safety Director Cory McDiarmid said autopsy results won’t be available for another week or two.
— Contact reporter Evan Sasiela at esasiela@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X @SalsaEvan.
(This story was updated to add new information.)
