Superintendent's Parent Council

The Superintendent’s Parent Council meeting was led by Ms. Alisha Gilbert, Executive Director of Special Education, who opened the session by welcoming members and outlining the meeting’s objectives.

To begin, Ms. Gilbert invited members to reflect on the meaning of excellence and share their personal definitions. Council members then connected their thinking to “excellence in teaching,” engaging in a discussion about how high-quality instruction impacts student experiences. This conversation led into a deeper reflection, where members shared both positive and challenging learning experiences their child(ren) have encountered.

Next, Ms. Gilbert announced that JP Schools was recently recognized with the 2026 NIET District Award of Excellence for Educator Effectiveness. Superintendent Dr. James Gray addressed the council, highlighting the district’s diversity and the progress made in recent years. He acknowledged the collective efforts of teachers, families, students and district leaders as key contributors to the district’s success.

The meeting concluded with a forward-looking discussion, as Ms. Gilbert asked council members to identify one action they would commit to in order to strengthen the partnership between families and the district. Members shared thoughtful commitments and reflections.

Ms. Gilbert closed by thanking members for their engagement and contributions throughout the year, before turning the meeting over to Dr. Gray for final remarks.

To conclude the meeting, Dr. Gray expressed appreciation for the council’s involvement and encouraged members to continue providing honest feedback to support ongoing growth and improvement.

The Superintendent’s Parent Council meeting was led by Ms. Alisha Gilbert, Executive Director of Special Education. Ms. Gilbert opened the session by welcoming council members, followed by introductions and an icebreaker activity titled “The Secret Sauce.” During this activity, participants engaged in an open discussion about a teacher who made a meaningful impact on their lives or the lives of their children.

Following the icebreaker, Ms. Gilbert shared a national article highlighting why teachers across the country remain in the profession. Council members read the article and participated in a discussion focused on the key factors that contribute to teacher retention. Ms. Gilbert then presented district data on Jefferson Parish Schools teacher vacancies, noting that many educators who leave the district often return due to the strong support systems in place. 

Ms. Gilbert also provided an overview of current teacher support initiatives, including Embark, a two-pathway program designed for both uncertified and certified educators. Uncertified teachers may participate in Embark Aspiring Educators, Jefferson Parish Schools’ in-house alternative certification program aimed at developing, supporting, certifying, and retaining effective teachers. Certified educators benefit from ongoing professional development, mentorship, and additional support through the Embark program.

Council members then engaged in a discussion about how parents can contribute to recruiting and retaining teachers. Participants expressed enthusiasm about learning more about Embark and increasing their involvement in parent and family engagement opportunities at their children’s schools.

To conclude this portion of the meeting, Superintendent Dr. James Gray welcomed council members and expressed appreciation for their participation. Members then took part in a question-and-answer session with Dr. Gray, discussing topics such as school consolidations, teacher and staff pay raises, and support for new educators.

The meeting concluded with an evaluation facilitated by Ms. Gilbert, during which members shared feedback on what they found valuable and offered suggestions for future meetings.

The Superintendent’s Parent Council was led by Alisha Gilbert, Executive Director of Special Education. Ms. Gilbert began by introducing herself and then provided an overview of what council members can expect this year. She highlighted the exciting opportunities for guest speaker presentations, collaboration, exploration of meaningful topics, and more. Next, members had  the chance to introduce themselves and participate in an ice breaker activity which encouraged them to get to know each other. 

Following this, members participated in a small group activity where they shared their reasons for joining the council. Many expressed that they applied to be more involved, learn about district initiatives, and gain tools to advocate for students, educators, and school pride. Several also highlighted their interest in bridging gaps between advanced academies and traditional schools.

Next, members worked in small groups to establish meeting norms and outline the council’s purpose. The group agreed that the council’s primary purpose is to advocate for children, safety, and curriculum, and to serve as liaisons for Jefferson Parish schools.

Regarding meeting norms, members emphasized honoring boundaries by focusing on issues within their influence, having fun during meetings, respecting one another, reflecting thoughtfully, and understanding diverse perspectives from across all Jefferson Parish schools.

Afterward, members shared summaries of their small group discussions with the entire council. Ms. Gilbert then outlined the council’s purpose, reviewed additional meeting norms, and discussed the anticipated outcomes for the year.

To close, members participated in an activity to identify future meeting topics. They brainstormed additional areas of interest to explore throughout the school year.

Next, Superintendent Dr. James Gray welcomed the council members and thanked them for being part of this year’s council. He noted a historical shift in council participation, stating, “We have more parents, employees, and community members applying to be on our councils because they truly want to make a difference for our students.” Following the welcome, members engaged in open discussions covering topics such as mileage recaps, mental health support, and safety concerns.

Dr. Gray also shared that Jefferson Parish Schools is currently a B-rated district and expressed his gratitude to members for their continued advocacy on behalf of Jefferson Parish schools.

Ms. Gilbert then conducted a meeting evaluation, where members shared what they liked about the meeting and what they would like to be seen done differently.

The Superintendent’s Parent Council was led by Alisha Gilbert, Executive Director of Special Education. Ms. Gilbert began by introducing herself and then provided an overview of what council members can expect this year. Next, members had  the chance to introduce themselves and participate in an ice breaker activity which encouraged them to get to know each other. 

Next, members participated in group activity that highlighted what members know, want to know and later shared what they learned today about Jefferson Parish School’s District Performance Data. 

Next, Ms. Gilbert announced that Jefferson Parish Schools has earned a “B” district rating for the second consecutive year. She then shared a presentation highlighting the district’s Performance Scores (DPS), which included information on:

• JP Schools’ historical overall DPS
• The reduction of F-rated schools — as of 2025, the district has zero F-rated schools
• Grade Level DPS Components 
• JP High Schools Credentials Earned
• SPS Growth 5+ points
• Top achieving schools within the state
• Graduations Rate and Strength of Diploma

To conclude this portion of the session, Ms. Gilbert emphasized that continuous data review is a critical component of growth across the district. She shared that school leadership works closely with multiple district leadership teams that provide guidance and support to make adjustments to academic structures. School leaders also collaborate with one another to share best practices. Following her remarks, council members participated in a Q&A session focused on the data presented.

Next, Superintendent Dr. James Gray welcomed the council members and thanked them for their participation in this year’s council. He highlighted the district’s achievement as a B-rated district and expressed his appreciation for members’ continued advocacy on behalf of Jefferson Parish schools. Dr. Gray also shared information regarding upcoming accountability changes and emphasized his ongoing commitment to advocating for students.

“With all the obstacles that we are facing, we continue to do the right thing by kids and grow beyond measures,” said Dr. Gray. 

To conclude this portion of the session, members participated in a Q&A session with Dr. Gray.

Ms. Gilbert then conducted a meeting evaluation, where members shared what they liked about the meeting and what they would like to be seen done differently.