Superintendent Graham Announces Retirement for June 2025
Napoleon Community Schools Superintendent James E Graham has announced he will retire in June 2025 after 39 years in education. Serving as NCS Superintendent for more than two decades, his commitment to students remains evident in his often-used response to most questions, "What's best for the kids?"
Over the years, Graham has supported various initiatives across all buildings. Maintaining these efforts while also being mindful of our budget can be challenging, but Graham approaches it all with a positive attitude. He takes pride in focusing on the students and ensuring NCS gets the best out of every initiative.
Under his leadership, NCS has consistently maintained favorable graduation rates and test scores. STEM programs have grown and flourished, art continues to be offered in all buildings, and the district continues to prioritize music programs. As in all districts, safety is always a priority. In 2014, NCS became a "HEARTSafe" zone, ensuring that AEDs are readily available and implementing safety measures for cardiac emergencies; we uphold these measures today. All buildings have been updated to include enhanced security systems, cameras, and lockdown systems, among other improvements. Graham maintains that he has continued these and many other efforts "with the help of tremendous administration, staff, and fantastic community support."
There have been some big moves as well. Pirates Cove Childcare & Preschool was moved to its current location in 2015. More recently, Ackerson High School, previously Ackerson Lake High School, moved to a new building just a few blocks from the main campus. Both of these moves, proposed by Graham, brought students from both programs closer to the main campus.
Graham has played a significant role in two NCS bond projects. The first passed in 2012, supporting a much-needed renovation of Napoleon High School. Considering this project's vision, heart, and planning, he played an integral role in the follow-up, realizing the renovation would support access to updated technology and educational tools.
Since 2023, Graham has assumed a similar role in the planning and development of the current bond project. While he will not be responsible for the completion of this project, Graham says, "I’m incredibly proud of this endeavor. Students will benefit from these improvements for years to come.”
Outside of his duties as Superintendent, Graham could often be found on the middle school football field, a youth baseball field, or any other various athletic field, coaching not only his own children through the years but many Pirates, connecting with the students through his love of athletics. While his retirement announcement has been made, Superintendent Graham maintains his commitment to the district.
"For 22 years I have been proud to be a Pirate. Napoleon Community Schools is a great district. I am committed to helping whoever is lucky enough to be the next superintendent transition into this role. As a parent I will always be supportive of their endeavors. Once a Pirate, always a Pirate.”
Napoleon Community Schools Board of Education has secured a representative with the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) to facilitate the search for a new Napoleon Community Schools Superintendent.
More information is available on the SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH area of the district website.
