Garelyn Dinet brings a unique viewpoint to the Superintendent’s Parent Council as the parent of a child at Leo Kerner Elementary and a teacher in JPPSS.
A parent is a child’s first teacher, and Jefferson Parish Public School System Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley wants their guidance on important decisions that impact the district’s 50,000 students.
The new Superintendent’s Parent Council held its first meeting on Friday, November 9. This council will build and strengthen family and school partnerships, which are essential for helping students achieve their maximum potential.
“Strong parent collaboration is one of the most important components in helping all students achieve their academic goals,” said Dr. Brumley. “Not only do we need parents to partner with our schools, but we need avenues like this council where we can understand their concerns at the district level. We value their opinions and want a true partnership with our parents as we work to improve outcomes for all kids.”
Dr. Cade Brumley leads the first meeting of his new Superintendent’s Parent Council. This council will build and strengthen family and school partnerships, which are essential for helping students achieve their maximum potential.
Dr. Brumley began the first meeting with a brief “state of the system” address, then opened things up to hear from parents. Some of the topics discussed included teacher communication, the academic calendar, dress code, public perception of JPPSS, and what factors keep families from choosing the district for their children.
“I think finding common ground is important,” said council member and Airline Park Academy parent Todd Palmer. “It’s just like any other relationship. It takes work and communications from all sides.”
“Education is everything in my household,” said council member and George Cox Elementary parent Alexis Larry. “I would like more opportunities to view the teacher-student dynamic in the classroom to better understand the perspective of my children and their peers.”
The Parent Council is one of the new stakeholder councils created by Dr. Brumley. The other committees include: student, teacher, principal, special education, and Transformation Network. For more information about these councils, visit jpschools.org/councils.
These councils were developed during Dr. Brumley’s 100-day entry plan. It complements the work already taking place to improve outcomes for all students and make JPPSS one of the most improved districts in the state.
The current members of the 2018-19 JPPSS Superintendent’s Parent Council are:
- Tabbatha Arnold: Bonnabel Magnet Academy High
- Samantha Barnes: Lincoln Elementary
- Shalanda Bibbins: Thibodeaux Elementary
- Erin Comeaux: Alexander Elementary
- Garelyn Dinet: Leo Kerner Elementary
- Patricia Gutierrez: Riverdale Middle
- Angela Manino Hunt: Birney Elementary
- Crystal Jones: Gretna No. 2 Academy
- Alexis Larry: George Cox Elementary
- Todd Palmer: Airline Park Academy
- Amy Perrin: Fisher Middle-High
- Anne Reed: Dolhonde Elementary
- William Schmidt, IV: Bissonet Plaza Elementary
- Kelly Usery: Haynes Academy