A Jefferson Parish Schools principal is one step away from being named Louisiana Principal of the Year. Strehle Community School Principal Ira Wilson has been named a 2023 Principal of the Year finalist by the Louisiana Department of Education. The announcement was made live during the LDOE's 2022 Teacher Leader Summit in New Orleans. These educators are making exceptional gains with students, guiding them to achieve at the highest levels in the state. Their commitment to student success exemplifies Louisiana’s teaching profession.

Principal of the Year finalists will be honored at the 16th Annual Excellent Educators Awards Gala that will be held in New Orleans on the evening of July 30. This exciting event is co-sponsored by Dream Teachers. 

JP Schools High School Principal of the Year Ira Wilson has been the principal at Strehle Community School for six years and a school administrator in Jefferson Parish for 13 years. Under her leadership at Strehle Community School, student growth has increased, dropout rate has decreased, and behavioral discipline has improved. She has also implemented the Strehle FLEX program to assist over-age and/or under-credit students in obtaining their high school diploma. Wilson attributes student success to a focus of inclusive instructional practices and social-emotional learning.