Superintendent highlights staffing additions, student finalist and district plans

Superintendent Dr. Cleo Perry used the March 7 meeting to outline district priorities and introduce several new central‑office staff members. Perry named new central‑office appointments including Dr. Jaimee Williams as Chief of Academics; Dr. Kimberly Johnson as Chief of Staff; Mr. George Anthony Miller as Chief of Operations; Alvarez Herzcock III, J.D., as Director of Risk Management; Dr. Stacey Spies as Director of Compliance in Special Education; and other directors and supervisors for special education, student services, transportation and curriculum supervision.

Perry highlighted student achievement: Dylan Graffeo, a student at Fifth Ward Elementary, is a finalist for State Student of the Year. Perry said the district is working with the nonprofit TransformEd to develop a 30‑, 60‑ and 90‑day plan, is continuing on‑site finance support for school budgeting and reported that 88% of first‑semester classroom observations have been completed, with Fifth Ward Elementary and Garyville Magnet at 100% completion.

The superintendent also outlined upcoming and recent events: central office participation in Read Across America week (March 4–8), engagement with student council, Career and Technical Night at ESJHS, a bus operators appreciation breakfast, and the planned upload of surplus items for auction on March 6. Two doors were added at central office to increase building security.

Dr. Jaimee Williams introduced the draft 2024–25 school calendar for the board’s consideration as an introduction only; the board voted to waive policy and allow the calendar to be presented as an introduction.