Strehle Community School Principal Ira Wilson was awarded the Merit Award by the Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) Excellence in Government 2022 Honorees program. Wilson received one of four Merit Awards for her efforts to improve the alternative school’s academic performance and student  outcomes. The Merit Award recognizes outstanding performance by public sector employees from January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2022.

“Congratulations to Ms. Wilson on this recognition. Her high expectations and her passion for serving all students has led to increased academic achievement,” said JP Schools Superintendent Dr. James Gray. “With her focus on inclusive instructional practices and social-emotional learning, she has created a school culture where opportunities are given to students no matter what.”

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 rates have 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 was named a 2023 Principal of the Year finalist by the Louisiana Department of Education.

BGR announced the recipients of its 2022 Excellence in Government Awards this week. This program honors outstanding efforts by public employees and private citizens to improve government in the New Orleans area. Since launching the program in 1994, BGR has given more than 150 awards to government employees and citizens. BGR will recognize these individuals at a luncheon at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel on October 6, 2022.