Superintendent's Student Leadership Council
Image
StudentLeadershipCouncil.png
The Superintendent’s Student Leadership Council (SLC) is a leadership program and a forum for direct communication between Jefferson Parish School (JP Schools) 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 JP Schools, and increase their leadership skills.
Program Overview
- Approximately 28 students (two students from every JP Schools 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 are eligible to participate.
- Students will be selected via an open application process based on character, the 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
Past Superintendent's Student Leadership Councils
- 2025-26 Superintendent's Student Leadership Council
- 2024-25 Student Leadership Council
- 2023-24 Student Leadership Council
2025-26 Superintendent's Student Leadership Council
- Aileah Gloston, Patrick F. Taylor Academy
- Alyssa Hyde, Riverdale High School
- Chloe Nero, Thomas Jefferson Academy
- Chris Bradstreet, West Jefferson High
- Darrell Robinson, East Jefferson High
- Dev Tandon, Haynes Academy
- Emily Zelaya, West Jefferson High
- Evelynn Boyd, Haynes Academy
- Fallon Ross, John Ehret High
- Hannah Howell, L.W. Higgins High
- Jenna Cox, Fisher Middle-High
- John Estes, Thomas Jefferson Academy
- Juan Rocha, John Ehret High
- Kaydence Leslie, Fisher Middle-High
- Keillyn Perez, Thomas Jefferson Academy
- Kenira McGinnis, Patrick F. Taylor Academy
- Kirstyn Cooper, Jefferson Rise
- Laila Deeks, Riverdale
- Lashali Pena-Cabrera, John Ehret High
- London Calfee, Patrick F. Taylor Academy
- Max Kelly, Haynes Academy
- Maya Turner, Thomas Jefferson Academy
- Mekhi McGraw, Bonnabel High
- Morgan Haydel, West Jefferson High
- Mya Dixon, Bonnabel High
- Norma Lopez, Bonnabel High
- O'Myreyell Holmes, Fisher Middle-High
- Samer Attamari, Riverdale High School
- Shaniya LaMark, L.W. Higgins High
Council Recap
April 16, 2026
The Superintendent’s Student Leadership Council meeting was led by Dr. LaDinah Carter, Chief of District Affairs. Dr. Carter welcomed students and provided an overview of the meeting’s agenda, purpose, norms, and expected outcomes. The session was held at the Greater New Orleans, Inc. (GNO, Inc.) office.
Dr. Carter then introduced the guest speaker, Daphne Barnes. Ms. Barnes welcomed students and opened with an interactive icebreaker to build engagement and encourage participation. She then introduced and walked students through the GNO Career Guide Tool, highlighting resources available to support career exploration and planning.
Students actively participated in small-group and whole-group discussions focused on various career pathways, engaging with community partners and asking questions about different industries and opportunities.
Following the discussions, students took a lunch break. After returning, they continued participating in career-focused activities and collaborative conversations to deepen their understanding of potential career options.
To close the session, students shared reflections on their learning and key takeaways. They were reminded to join the designated Google Classroom for ongoing communication and resources, and completed an exit ticket to provide feedback on their experience.
February 27, 2026
The Superintendent’s Student Leadership Council meeting was led by Dr. LaDinah Carter, Chief of District Affairs. Dr. Carter welcomed students and reviewed the meeting agenda, purpose, norms, and expected outcomes. Today’s meeting was held at the WWII museum.
Next, LaToya Bailey-Williams, Director of Teaching & Learning, at WWII museum and her team introduced the D-Day Leadership activity and provided context for the decision-making simulation. Students participated in an interactive experience examining how military leaders evaluated intelligence, weighed risks, and made strategic decisions prior to entering battle. Following the activity, students engaged in a debrief discussion highlighting key leadership traits such as critical thinking, adaptability, collaboration, and accountability.
Students then took a lunch break. After returning, they participated in a Career Pathways and Leadership Discussion with museum leaders. During this session, students learned about postsecondary education options, various career pathways within museums and cultural institutions, and the skills necessary for leadership roles. Leaders shared their personal career journeys and responded to students’ questions about internships, professional growth, and day-to-day responsibilities.
To close the session, council members participated in a guided tour of the World War II historical exhibit, connecting themes from the leadership simulation to real-world historical events. Students then shared reflections, were reminded to join the designated Google Classroom, and completed an exit ticket.
December 4, 2025
The Superintendent’s Student Leadership Council meeting was led by Dr. LaDinah Carter, Chief of District Affairs. Dr. Carter welcomed students and reviewed the meeting agenda, purpose, norms, and expected outcomes.
Next, Dr. Carter read an excerpt from Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg aloud to the council. Students then participated in an open discussion guided by the following prompts:
- What idea in the excerpt stood out to you or surprised you?
- How have you seen this play out in your school or work experience?
- How can “sitting at the table” apply to school life (clubs, class discussions, sports, leadership roles)?
During the discussion, students shared insights from their personal and professional experiences that aligned with the prompts. “Our role as leaders is to address things head-on in a professional manner,” said Dr. Carter.
Dr. Gray was then invited to introduce himself and share a few words with the Student Council. He joined the students in a conversation about understanding and accepting viewpoints that differ from their own. He commended the council for their ability to listen respectfully and recognize that others may disagree with their values or perspectives. Dr. Gray emphasized that as leaders, “it’s okay to have a position, but don’t let the position replace your identity.” He also reminded students that “you have to be humble to be a strong leader” and invited them to share what that statement meant to them.
Dr. Gray closed his portion of the meeting by sharing updates on Jefferson Parish Schools maintaining its B-rated district status for another school year.
Next, Dr. Carter continued the ongoing conversation about career exploration. She introduced special guests Sarah Caruso, Chief Financial Officer, and Patrick Jenkins, Chief Operations Officer. The guests participated in a panel-style discussion moderated by Dr. Carter titled “Journey to the C-Suite: An Interview with Members of the JP Schools Executive Team.” Both guests shared key information about their educational backgrounds and career journeys. Dr. Carter then asked questions related to leadership, essential skills, motivation, major responsibilities in their roles, and experiences that shaped their paths to executive leadership. Students concluded this segment with a Q&A session.
Students then took a lunch break. After returning, they participated in holiday-themed activities.
To close the session, council members shared reflections, were reminded to join the designated Google Classroom, and completed an exit ticket.
October 9, 2025
The Superintendent’s Student Leadership Council was led by Dr. LaDinah Carter, Chief of District Affairs. Dr. Carter reviewed the student leadership council contract, meeting agenda, outcomes, and norms.
Next, Dr. Dray was invited to introduce himself and share a few words with the Student Council. Dr. Carter began to ask Dr. Gray questions to help students get to know him better and understand his daily tasks. Dr. Carter asked Dr. Gray to tell the council about his daily routines, challenges in managing a large school district, and encouraging words for the council members.
Next, council members were given the opportunity to ask Dr. Gray questions and engage in conversation.
Next, Dr. Carter introduced special guests, Dr. Nguyen (Pharmacy Resident), Dr. Brown (Pharmacy Resident), and Dr. Lawson (Clinical Pharmacy Specialist). The guest spoke in a panel style discussion, speaking to council members about their experiences from high school to college, and careers in health care. Guests were asked about their reasons for going into healthcare, contributions to the community, the process of handling and prescribing medicines, and paths they chose leading up to their current careers.
Next, students were broken into two groups to begin a ‘get to know you more’ activity. Students were asked to randomly pair up with another council member who was not in their group, introduce themselves, and talk about their leadership goals for this school year.
Next, Dr. Arkeia Thomas, Director of Graduation Assurance, spoke to students about the student progress center and understanding transcripts. She spoke to council members about understanding the gpa and abbreviations seen on the transcript. Dr. Thomas spoke to students about Fast Forward, a program designed to help students obtain an associate degree while in high school.
Finally, to wrap up the session, council members gave reflections, were reminded to join the designated Google classroom, and were given an exit ticket.
2024-25 Student Leadership Council
2024-25 Superintendent's Student Leadership Council
- Alyssa Glapion, Jefferson Virtual High
- Andrea Chavez, John Ehret High
- Brooke Chirchirillo, L.W. Higgins High
- Chloe Nero, Thomas Jefferson Academy
- Chris Bradstreet, West Jefferson High
- Dev Tandon, Haynes Academy
- Devynn Hubbard, Thomas Jefferson Academy
- Emily Zelaya, West Jefferson High
- Ethan Clement, Kenner Discovery
- Gavin Richards, Bonnabel Magnet Academy High
- Jenna Cox, Fisher Middle-High
- John Estes, Thomas Jefferson Academy
- Juan Rocha, John Ehret High
- Kameron Oatis, East Jefferson High
- Kaydence Leslie, Fisher Middle-High
- Kenira McGinnis, Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy
- Laila Deeks, Riverdale High
- Lamiha Habib, Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy
- Lashali Pena-Cabrera, John Ehret High
- Mais Adwal, Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy
- Maria Price, West Jefferson High
- Matthew Garcia-Gutierrez, East Jefferson High
- Maya Turner, Thomas Jefferson Academy
- Neal Tandon, Haynes Academy
- Norma Lopez, Bonnabel Magnet Academy High
- Paul Taylor, L.W. Higgins High
- Ro'rie Lloyd, John Ehret High
- Roman McClinton, L.W. Higgins High
- Sefanit Tewelde, Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy
- Silvia Garcia, Riverdale High
Council Recap
April 9, 2025
The Superintendent’s Student Leadership Council was led by Dr. LaDinah Carter, Chief of District Affairs. Dr. Carter reviewed the meeting agenda, outcomes, and norms.
Council members participated in an ice breaker activity in small groups. Members volunteered to share their thoughts with the group.
Next, Superintendent Dr. James Gray welcomed council members and thanked them for being a part of this years’ council. Dr. Gray and members participated in open discussions.
Next, council members participated in a campus tour of Joseph A. Sr Cuillier Career Center led by Principal Plaisance.
Council members participated in an activity that encouraged them to create SMART goals.. Members volunteered to share their thoughts with the group.
Next, students participate in an independent vision board activity. Members volunteered to share their vision board to their peers.
After lunch, to conclude the meeting, students participated in reflections of the day in a group discussion.
February 26, 2025
The Superintendent’s Student Leadership Council was led by Dr. LaDinah Carter, Chief of District Affairs. Dr. Carter reviewed the meeting agenda, outcomes, and norms.
Council members participated in an ice breaker activity in small groups. Members volunteered to share their thoughts with the group.
Dr. Carter introduced the special guest Daphne Barnes, Executive Director of Economic Mobility of GNO Inc. Ms. Barnes shared a presentation that highlighted growth, pivots and changes in our lives. “Throughout your life you will pivot from your plans. This is okay, it’s normal.” said Ms. Barnes. Throughout the presentation, Ms. Barnes reflected on her own experiences and journey to show the pivots and changes are inevitable. Ms. Barnes shared a lot of insight on seeking internship opportunities for graduating seniors, professional development, networking and resumes. Students had the opportunity to ask questions and participate in group discussions.
Next, students participate in a group discussion about “The Power of Tiny Things” from the previous meeting. Students had the opportunity to share their small commitments from the last and share that they've been working on those goals.
After lunch, students participated in reflections of the day in a group discussion.
December 13, 2024
The Superintendent’s Student Leadership Council was led by Dr. LaDinah Carter, Chief of District Affairs. Dr. Carter reviewed the meeting agenda, outcomes, and norms.
Next, Superintendent Dr. James Gray welcomed council members and thanked them for being a part of this years’ council. Dr. Gray encouraged members to participate in open topic discussions.
Next, council members participated in a team-building activity.
Next, students independently read the article titled “LeadersEat Last” by Simon Sinek. Students then summarized the reading selection by participating in a group activity. Each group shared their group summary and engaged in topic discussions.
After lunch, Andrea Chavez and Maria Price, council members, led a holiday themed group activities.
To conclude the meeting, students participated in reflections of the day.
October 9, 2024
The Superintendent’s Student Leadership Council was led by Ladinah Carter, Chief District Affairs Officer. Ms. Carter. She began the meeting by reviewing the meeting agenda, norms, purpose and outcomes with the council.
Next, students independently completed a Career Interest Survey. Students then participated in group discussion regarding their survey results.
After lunch, Dr. Carter introduced special guest Dr. Arekia Thomas, Director of Graduation Assurance. Dr. Thomas shared a presentation with students that highlighted important information geared towards graduation such as graduation requirements, transcript review and the fast forward program. Students had the opportunity to ask questions and participate in topic discussions regarding graduation.
Next, Superintendent Dr. James Gray welcomed council members and thanked them for being a part of this years’ council. Dr. Gray and members participated in open discussions.
To conclude the meeting, students participated in reflections of the day.
2023-24 Student Leadership Council
2023-2024 Student Leadership Council Members
- Mais Adwal
- Christopher Bear
- Roland Bullard
- Estefany Calderon
- Andrea Chavez
- Bradstreet Chris
- Laila Deeks
- Mirialys Diaz-Robles
- MiKayla Glapion
- Keionna Herrera
- Devyn Hubbard
- Alissa Julien
- Vaishnavi Kumbala
- Kaydence Leslie
- Khanh Le
- Makayla Scoggins
- Kenira McGinnis
- Chloe Nero
- Kennedy Patterson
- Alexandra Pontier-Santana
- Savannah Reese
- Jamarion Scott
- Neal Tandon
- Paul Taylor
- Sefanit Tewelde
- Delina Tewelde
- Anyla Tobias
- Alyssa Treece
- Maya Turner
2023-2024 Student Leadership Council Meeting Dates
Student discussions and input are highly valued and member attendance at all council meetings is encouraged.
- October 18, 2023 at JP Schools Administration Building at 501 Manhattan Blvd.
- December 13, 2023 at Patrick F. Taylor Academy (Rescheduled)
- February 26, 2024 at JP Schools Administration Building at 501 Manhattan Blvd.
- April 24, 2024 at L.W. Higgins High
Council Recaps
October 18, 2023 The Superintendent’s Student Leadership Council was led by Germaine Gilson, Chief District Affairs Officer. Ms. Gilson introduced herself, then council members introduced themselves. She informed members that they would take a tour of the central office prior to the meeting ending. She began the meeting by reviewing the meeting agenda, norms, purpose, and outcomes with the council.
Next, members participated in a group activity that encouraged students to get to know each other. Members were separated into small groups and were given topic discussions.
Next, Kaela Lewis, Executive Director of Communication, welcomed students to this year's council. She encouraged students to utilize their social media platforms to share their experiences while being a part of the Student Council. Next, Darvell Edwards, Executive Director of Special Programs, spoke to students about Safe Schools Month. She encouraged students to participate in the monthly events at schools that help bring awareness to safe schools.
Ms. Gilson then shared a presentation on Student Leadership. She informed students that the principles shared can help students become the leaders they desire to be in their schools and communities. “I want you to feel comfortable enough to make appointments with your principals about concerns and needed changes in your school,” said Ms. Gilson. She explained that being a leader in schools can make a difference for future students. Students having a voice means they must actively participate in helping schools become better. Student input and student voice are critical for student engagement. Students then participated in topic discussions on the decreasing interest of female sports in JP Schools.
Next, students were tasked to independently create a goal and a plan that will help them to accomplish their goal this school year. They were required to create a goal that can make their school better. Students then participated in open discussions about their goals, plans, and leadership.
Superintendent Dr. James Gray then welcomed the new Student Council members. He began by encouraging students to use their voices and express their needs and experiences. He explained the reason for having a Student Council is to ensure that the district is aligned with students’ needs and experiences. “If you want to be successful in life, do your best every day. This goal starts today as students,” said Dr. Gray. He informed students that he is excited to see the outcomes from this year's Student Council.
Students then participated in an open discussion based on the survey results members completed prior to the first meeting. Topics discussed were students’ mental health and coping skills, student safety, vaping, teacher pay and shortages, and bus transportation concerns.
During lunch, Ms. Gilson reviewed the vaping and cell phone policies. Students participated in group discussions. Students expressed their opinions and experiences as it relates to both policies. Ms. Gilson informed students that during their time on the council, students will have the opportunity to help create proposals on the district's vaping and cell phone policies.
Ms. Gilson led the students on a tour of the central office to close out the meeting.
Febuary 26, 2024 The Superintendent’s Student Leadership Council was led by Ladinah Carter, Chief District Affairs Officer. Ms. Carter introduced herself then council members introduced themselves. She began the meeting by encouraging students to express what they hope to gain from being a member of the Student Council. Ms. Carter then informed students that they will network with each other through google classroom. Next she reviewed the meeting agenda, norms, purpose and outcomes with the council.
Next, members participated in an elevator pitch group activity that encouraged students to get to know each other. Members independently created a six word story that described themselves. Members then shared their stories out loud to the group.
Next, students independently read part one of an article titled “Cellphone Bans Can Ease Students’ Stress and Anxiety, Educators Say”. Next, students participated in a group activity that required them to create short headlines that captured the main points of the article. Each group shared their created headline.
Next, students participated in open discussion regarding possible solutions for a potential cell phone ban. Two students volunteered to place their cell phones into two different cell phone security bags. Students compared the type of bags and discussed the pros and cons of each.
Next, students independently read part two of the article titled “Cellphone Bans Can Ease Students’ Stress and Anxiety, Educators Say”. Students then summarized the section by participating in a group activity. Each group shared their group summary and engaged in topic discussions.
After lunch, students participated in open discussion regarding the district effectively creating a new cell phone policy.
To conclude the meeting, students participated in group activity that encouraged students to create the pros, cons and considerations of a new cell phone policy.
April 24 2024 The Superintendent’s Student Leadership Council was led by Ladinah Carter, Chief District Affairs Officer. Ms. Carter introduced herself then council members introduced themselves. Ms. Carter began the meeting by informing students that in the meeting they will continue the focus of communication skills. “Communication skills are essential for your academic, social and professional success,” said Ms. Carter. Next she reviewed the meeting agenda, norms, purpose and outcomes with the council.
Next, Ms, Carter introduced special guest Brooke Zar. Ms Zar discussed the importance of communication and leadership skills with students. She encouraged students to openly discuss their strengths and weaknesses and how it aligns with communicating with others on a leadership level. Many students expressed that asking for help is a barrier. Ms. Zar provided methods to overcome this barrier. “Asking for help is not a weakness,” said Ms. Zar. Next, students filled out an “student involvement form” independently then had the opportunity to share their answers in group discussions.
After lunch, students reviewed information for fast forward and school transcripts.
Next, Ms. Carter invited Superintendent Dr. James Gray to share a few words with council members. Dr. Gray welcomed members. Members were encouraged to participate in a rapid fire with Dr. Gray.
To conclude the meeting, students participated in group activity that encouraged students to participate in reflections.