JP School Board approves new zoning maps

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HARVEY, La. (WGNO) — The Jefferson Parish School Board has approved the new zoning maps for the 2023 Infrastructure and Efficiency Plan in favor of the district voted to consolidate a number of schools across the parish.

In a school board meeting open to the public Wednesday (May 3), the vote went through with only two in opposition. School board member Ricky Johnson was one of them.

“I cannot support this,” he said.

“The 2023 Infrastructure and Efficiency Plan expands opportunities for kids, maintains educator jobs, stabilizes the district’s financial future, and addresses staffing shortages, aging facilities, and declining student enrollment,” said Ralph Brandt, Jefferson Parish School Board President.

About 6,100 students, 13 percent of the district’s almost 47,000 students, will be affected by the new zoning. The new map will go into effect for the 2023-2024 school year.

Superintendent Dr. James Gray did clear up some questions, including where there is an increase in students there will be an increase in teachers too.

He also addressed what will happen for students who need medical accomodations.

“Whatever accomodations the kid needs based off their IEP they will get those accomodations,” said the superintendent.

Based on the new maps the following schools will have an attendance shift:

Grace King High School students will move to Bonnabel High School or Riverdale High School
Gretna Middle School students move to Marrero Middle School or Livaudais Middle School
Helen Cox High School students will move to John Ehret High School or West Jefferson High School
Some John Ehret High School students will move to L.W. Higgins High School
Joshua Butler Elementary students will move to Isaac Joseph Elementary or Truman School
Some Isaac Joseph Elementary students will move to Judge Lionel Collins Elementary or Truman School
Mildred Harris Elementary students will move to Cherbonnier Elementary or Emmett Gilbert Elementary
Some Emmett Gilbert students will move to Cherbonnier Elementary
Washington Elementary students will move to Bunche Elementary
St. Ville Elementary students will move to Woodmere Elementary
Some Audubon Elementary students will move to A.C. Alexander Elementary
Some AC Alexander Elementary students will move to G.T. Woods Elementary

The Jefferson Parish School District will send letters to the impacted students that will include their new schools and at the same time will re-opened its “School Choice” programs application window starting May 1 through may 12 for the following schools:

9th Grade High School Choice
Magnet School Transfer Request
Jefferson Virtual High School

The district says they will provide support such as social workers for the high schools who says the transition had a negative impact on their emotional health and to provide the student with a healthy learning environment.