Stark County's Jackson Township was named for Andrew Jackson, a major general in the War of 1812 and later the seventh President of the United States, who was at the height of his popularity in 1815 when the Township was formed. It is one of 37 Jackson townships statewide. In 1833, Jackson Township contained three gristmills and two saw mills.''
Economy
The township is home to the largest chain retail market in Stark County. Belden Village Mall, the Strip, and the surrounding retail outlets provide residents with a variety of choice in mostly chain shopping and dining. A small portion of the Akron-Canton Airport is also in the township. It is one of the fastest growing airports in the US, and is in the midst of a $150 million expansion scheduled to be finished in 2020.
Government
The township is governed by a three-member board of trustees, who are elected in November of odd-numbered years to a four-year term beginning on the following January 1. Two are elected in the year after the presidential election and one is elected in the year before it. There is also an elected township fiscal officer, who serves a four-year term beginning on April 1 of the year after the election, which is held in November of the year before the presidential election. Vacancies in the fiscal office or on the board of trustees are filled by the remaining trustees. Currently, the board is composed of Chairman Todd J. Hawke, Vice-Chairman John E. Pizzino and Trustee James J. Thomas, and Fiscal Officer Randy Gonzalez. The township's motto is "We make things happen."
Education
Public education in nearly all of Jackson Township is provided by Jackson Local Schools, of which Chris DiLoreto is the superintendent. This district is made up of four elementary schools: Sauder, Amherst, Lake Cable, and Strausser; one middle school; and one high school. Jackson High School underwent a significant renovation in 2007. The district was rated excellent with distinction by the state of Ohio for the 2010–2011 school year. A small section in the southeastern corner of Jackson Township is served by the Plain Local School District. The village of Hills and Dales is also served by that district. Jackson Township has a public library, a branch of Stark County District Library.
