Board votes to extend his contract through June 2014
James Meza, who has served as the "acting" superintendent of Jefferson Parish Public Schools since July 2011, is now the "permanent" superintendent.
The Jefferson Parish School Board has voted unanimously to change his title and extend his current contract through June 2014 when he is expected to leave the system
Meza has enacted a series of reforms during his tenure and under his leadership JP schools rose from 51st to 42nd in the recent rankings of school districts in Louisiana. The system received a "C" grade, up from a "D."
Meza was brought in to replace former Superintendent Dianie Roussel who retired. He served as Dean of the College of Education at UNO for over 11 years and was a leader in the development of charter schools in New Orleans.
He is paid $248,000 annually and is unlikely to seek a pay adjustment.
