Students and families at nine Jefferson Parish Schools will be welcomed by a new principal when the 2022-23 school year begins August 8. JP Schools has named new instructional leaders at schools in Grand Isle, Gretna, Harvey, Kenner, Lafitte, and Metairie.

“The success of a school depends on the effectiveness of the school leader. Our principals are responsible for building a strong culture and articulating a shared vision for excellence,” said JP Schools Superintendent Dr. James Gray. “I look forward to seeing the impact these leaders will make in their classrooms, schools, and communities.”

The nine new principals announced by JP Schools are:

Sommer Anderson-Picou: Tom Benson School
Anderson-Picou is a South Louisiana native with over 22 years of education experience. She joins JP Schools after serving as principal of Broadmoor STEM Academy in Shreveport. Anderson-Picou is also a former math curriculum specialist for Caddo Parish Public Schools. Her two decades in education began as a math teacher.

Erin Clay: St. Ville Elementary
Clay has 18 years of experience in education. She’s served the students and families of Jefferson Parish for the past six years. Clay was most recently an assistant principal for Jefferson Elementary. Her classroom experience spans through grades 1-5. She’s served Orleans Parish, St. Charles Parish, Iberville Parish, and Calvary Baptist School.

Debbie Dantin: Thomas Jefferson Academy
Dantin is a veteran school leader who has served Jefferson Parish Schools for 30 years. She was principal of Birney Elementary for the past four years. Prior to leading Birney Elementary, Dantin was principal of Fisher Middle-High for five years. She has also served students, educators, and families as a teacher and assistant principal. 

LaDonna Despaux: Leo Kerner Elementary
Before being named principal, Despaux was the master teacher of Kerner Elementary. She has 20 years experience as an educator in JP Schools. Along with being master teacher, she has served as an assistant principal, academic dean, and teacher. She looks forward to serving her community as principal of Kerner Elementary.

Patrice Fletcher: T.H. Harris Middle
Fletcher began her career in Jefferson Parish Schools and has over 20 years experience. She has served students, educators, and families as a teacher and school leader. Most recently, she was the assistant principal at Rudolph Matas Elementary. Fletcher is also a veteran of the U.S. Navy Reserve.

Angelia Grabert: Schneckenburger Elementary
Grabert has been an educator in Jefferson Parish Schools for 31 years. She has spent the past 10 years as principal of Pittman Elementary. Grabert has also served as a teacher, Title 1 teacher, and instructional associate. She is looking forward to supporting the students, families, employees and community of Schneckenburger Elementary.

Ninon Ledesma: Alice Birney Elementary
Ledesma has served the students, educators, and families of Jefferson Parish Schools for over two decades. She has been the assistant principal at Greenlawn Terrace Elementary for the past five years. Along with being an experienced educator and school leader, Ledesma is bilingual and a former ESL teacher. 

Amie Magnon: Grand Isle School
Nine of Magnon’s 10 years in education have been at Grand Isle School. She has spent the last three years as the school’s master teacher. Magnon has also served Grand Isle as a teacher, teacher leader fellow, and content leader fellow. She is excited to continue serving Grand Isle.

Nicole Morris: Pittman Elementary
Morris spent this past spring as acting principal of Pittman Elementary. She has served in Jefferson Parish Schools for 16 years. Prior to joining Pittman Elementary, Morris was the assistant principal of J.C. Ellis Elementary. She has also been a teacher, Title I coordinator, childcare director, summer camp director, and teacher leader fellow.