JEFFERSON — The Committee for a Better Jefferson announced its endorsements in the Jefferson Parish School Board elections to be held on Nov. 4. All candidates were invited to attend an endorsement committee meeting held on Oct. 6th.
A CBJ press release stated, to maintain the progress the Jefferson Parish Public School System has achieved over the last three years, the CBJ has pledged its support of four incumbent candidates: Sandy Denapolis- Bosarge (District 9), Larry Dale (District 6), Mark Jacobs (District 7), and Michael Delesdernier (District 8).
Additionally, the CBJ has endorsed the candidacies of Melinda Bourgeois (running for the open District 4 seat), Rickeem Jackson (running for the open District 2 seat), Sharlayne Jackson-Prevost (running against a District 5 incumbent) and Ray Griffin (running against a District 3 incumbent).
The press release said, CBJ’s education focus advocates that a safe and prosperous community starts with a strong public school system. Everyone's tax dollars pay for the poor performance of schools, and the economic impact of an inferior school system is reflected in depressed home values and the challenge the Parish faces in attracting new business and sustaining existing business. The Jefferson Parish School system must be prepared to offer its students a high quality educational experience and has made great progress in this regard over the past three years due to the efforts of the incumbents, Dale, Jacobs, Delesdernier and Denapolis-Bosarge.
Recent accomplishments include:
Most students attending A and B graded schools in the state
3 of the top 10 high schools in the state
State top 10 in improved graduation rates
30 Top Gain Schools in the State in 2013
Advanced in state rank over 25 other systems
Elimination of an inherited $30 million dollar budget deficit
Raising teacher salaries
The press release stated, the CBJ endorsed candidates who are committed to keeping children first and maintaining vigorous progress toward building a system of excellence.
Committee for a Better Jefferson was founded in 1979 as a non-partisan organization that advocates strong public education and good government to ensure better quality of life for citizens of Jefferson Parish. It includes Jefferson Parish civic leaders and business owners.
