With an unprecedented level of cooperation from Jefferson Parish educators and the business community, JEDCO today released strategies to improve the quality of public education in the Parish.
The strategies listed in the report attached below, are based on extensive research of the current education climate in Jefferson Parish, a comparative analysis of test results and case studies of successful school districts across the country. The Jefferson Parish Public School System and JEDCO, with input from community leaders and stakeholders, analyzed numerous factors affecting education in Jefferson Parish and arrived at an agenda of action items for the strategy.
According to JEDCO executive director Lucien Gunter, “The overall appeal of Jefferson, to business and residents alike, is dependent upon a strong public education system. In order for us to be competitive on a regional and national level, there needs to be consistent and sustainable improvement in the quality of our public education system.”
The initiatives, all of which are to be completed over the next two years, identify a “lead agent” responsible for overseeing the progress of implementation and detailing a timeline for each initiative. JEDCO will also update the progress of each recommendation and notify the public via its website on a regular basis.
Jefferson Parish School Superintendent Dr. Diane Roussel said, “The recent improvements in LEAP scores indicate that our current initiatives are working. JEDCO’s recommendations build upon our successes and unite stakeholders behind a concise policy agenda to make Jefferson Parish a true model for quality public education in Louisiana.”
The Education Strategy is one of seven quality of life issues that JEDCO and the Steering Committee of the Jefferson EDGE, Jefferson Parish’s economic development strategic plan, have identified as crucial to the overall economic well-being of Jefferson.
Education is the third quality of life issue addressed as part of Jefferson EDGE. Flood control was issued in December, 2007 and crime abatement was issued in February, 2008.
The remaining issues: insurance, beautification, hospitals and the redevelopment of Fat City, will be addressed over the next nine months.
Jefferson EDGE 2020 Strategic Implementation Plan: Education
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