IONIA, Mich. (WILX) – Officials with Ionia Public Schools have identified the educator who was found dead on campus last week as Jason Little, the principal at Douglas R. Welch High School, according to a report.
The Ionia Sentinel-Standard reported Monday that Superintendent Ben Gurk sent a letter to the district’s families over the weekend, saying Little “leaves behind a remarkable legacy, having positively impacted countless students, colleagues and members of our community.”
Little was found dead at the school early Thursday. No cause of death has been released. The Ionia Department of Public Safety said at the time there was no evidence to suggest any threat to the community.
Welch High School, Ionia High School and Bulldog Beginnings Preschool — which all share a campus — were closed on Thursday. Welch High School remained closed on Friday.
All IPS buildings were closed on Monday, Dec. 8 to allow district families and staff to attend Little’s visitation and funeral. Grief counselors have been available to students and staff since Little’s death.
Little studied education and history at Central Michigan University and had been “a dedicated teacher for 12 years,” according to his obituary.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Little’s family cover the cost of his funeral and other expenses.
“Jason was more than a teacher; he was a mentor, a friend, and a guiding presence in the lives of his students,” the fundraiser page says. “His enthusiasm for history brought the past to life, while his kindness, patience, and dedication inspired those around him.”
Subscribe to our News 10 newsletter and YouTube page to receive the latest local news and weather. Looking to hire people, or grow your business through advertising? Gray Digital Media is your one-stop marketing solution. Learn more.
Copyright 2025 WILX. All rights reserved.
