Superintendent's Student Leadership Council

The Superintendent’s Student Leadership Council (SLC) is a leadership program and a forum for direct communication between Jefferson Parish School (JPS) students and Superintendent Dr. James Gray. As SLC members, students will share their voices on a variety of topics, work to create solutions for select issues that are important to students and JPS, and increase their leadership skills.

2020-21 Student Leadership Council Members

• Bonnabel High: Malcom D'Ronze and Skye Gandy
• East Jefferson High: Caleb Goetz and Lyra Adams
• Ehret High: Alysia Treece
• Fisher Middle-High: Morgan Delatte and Kelsey Loerwald
• Grace King High: Keionna Herrera and Nor Gorry
• Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies: Faiza Filali and Mahir Rahman
• Helen Cox High: Alina Richardson
• L.W. Higgins High: Amari Jones and Juliette LeBoeuf
• Riverdale High: Maida Shahid and Vivian Santillo
• Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy: Kelly Parker and Balseba Tewelde
• Thomas Jefferson Academy for Advanced Studies: Kaitlyn Shelton and Raine Flatau
• West Jefferson High: Ryan Hughes and Ashleigh Laws

2020-21 Meeting Dates

Student discussions and input are highly valued and member attendance at all council meetings is encouraged. The council will meet four times a year with the Superintendent at various sites from 9 a.m. to noon:

• November 10, 2020 at location TBD
• December 16, 2020 at location TBD
• February 10, 2021 at at location TBD
• April 14, 2021 at at location TBD

*Transportation will be provided.

*In accordance with our Start Strong Jefferson plan, all meeting attendees must wear a face covering, submit to a temperature check, and maintain social distancing.

Program Overview

• Approximately 26 students (two students from every JPS high school in any grade level) will be selected to represent the diversity of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences of students across the district. All students, including Virtual Jefferson students, are eligible to participate.
• Students will be selected via an open application process based on character, rationale for joining the Council, commitment to serve, and the unique perspective s/he brings.
• Council members are expected to serve an eight-month term that begins in October and concludes in May.
• Council members must commit to participating in four meetings with the Superintendent, leadership development workshops, and other special events. Some meetings or events may take place during weekend dates.
• Council members must commit to service learning hours over their term to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen the community.

Benefits to Students

• Have a direct role in improving the district for all students
• Gain important leadership, public speaking, decision-making, and team building skills
• Access a network of mentors through exposure to JPS district and community leaders

Minimum Eligibility Criteria

• Must be currently enrolled in a JPS high school
• Must fully complete the Superintendent’s Student Leadership Council application
• If selected for an in-person interview, must provide:
• A recommendation from a non-family member adult (e.g. teacher, guidance counselor, mentor) who can speak to your work ethic, character, team work skills, and level of commitment
• Signature from a parent or guardian approving Council participation