Understanding the Jefferson Parish Board of Education
The Jefferson Parish Board of Education plays a vital role in shaping the educational landscape of Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. This article delves into the structure, function, and key aspects of the board, providing valuable information for parents, community members, and anyone interested in the governance of the Jefferson Parish Public School System.
Structure and Composition
The Jefferson Parish School Board consists of nine members elected from districts by the citizens of Jefferson Parish. These members serve four-year terms, with all nine seats up for election every four years. The next general election is scheduled for December 12, 2026, with a primary on November 3, 2026. Louisiana elections use the Louisiana majority-vote system, where all candidates compete in the same primary, and a candidate can win the election outright by receiving more than 50% of the vote.
Key Personnel
The superintendent is appointed by the school board to manage the administrative team of Jefferson Parish Schools. James Gray is the current superintendent of the Jefferson Parish Public School System, having been appointed on July 15, 2020. He followed Lale Geer, who served as interim superintendent from June to July 2020, after former Superintendent Cade Brumley left office to become the Louisiana Superintendent of Education. Prior to Gray, the superintendent role was held by:
- Cade Brumley (2018-2020)
- Isaac Joseph (2015-2018)
- James Meza, Jr. (2011-2015)
Responsibilities and Functions
The purpose of the school board meetings is to act upon recommendations from the superintendent, authorize the spending of funds, adopt policies, and approve the annual budget. The Jefferson Parish school board schedules meetings once a month, with special meetings throughout the year as needed. School board members also serve on smaller committees that focus on specific issues, such as:
- Legislation
- Academic Affairs
- Finance
- Insurance
- Facilities
- Transportation
- Executive Committee (focusing on specific administrative matters)
These committees meet periodically throughout the year.
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Transparency and Public Access
All regular, special, or emergency school board meetings are open to the public, and parents and community members are encouraged to attend. The board may occasionally recess into executive session during a board meeting to discuss items pertaining to litigation, personnel issues or other items approved by state statute. The public may contact the board secretary at 504-349-7803.
Term Limits
On July 1, 2009, Governor Bobby Jindal (R) signed House Bill 504 into law as Act 291. This act created term limits for members of the Jefferson Parish school board by amending state statutory language.
Jefferson Parish Public School System Overview
The Jefferson Parish Public School System operates 75 schools. As of the 2023-2024 school year, Jefferson Parish Public School System had 3,144.75 full-time classroom teachers.
Understanding Teacher Salaries
The following salary information was pulled from the district's teacher salary schedule. A salary schedule is a list of expected compensations based on variables such as position, years employed, and education level.
Student Proficiency
Each year, state and local education agencies use tests and other standards to assess student proficiency. Department of Education, proficiency measurements are established by the states.
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Read also: Exploring Jefferson Community and Technical College
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