JFT Update: January 20th

Jefferson Federation of Teachers has requested that the district host townhall type meetings where employees can have open dialogue with the superintendent. We are happy to announce that they will host three for employees and three for the community. They will occur on alternating sides of the river.

more

New School Board Member

Last night, the Jefferson Parish School Board appointed Rafael Rafidi to take the place of Larry Dale, who resigned his seat on the board at the end of last year. Mr. Rafidi’s appointment has proved controversial given statements he has made online and his lack of experience in education.

more

JFT Update: Happy Holidays

December 20, 2021

Paraeducator Grievance
JPPSS Policy states that para educators may be used as substitutes only in emergencies when substitutes including teachers as substitutes are not available. It has come to our attention that at many schools, Para educators are increasingly being used as substitutes in situations that do not qualify as emergencies. The justification provided is that para educators are covering classes because of staffing shortages and vacancies. These shortages and vacancies were not caused by an emergency. There was no sudden, urgent, unexpected occurrence or occasion requiring immediate action. Staffing shortages and vacancies could and should have been anticipated. The school system’s vacancies and high absenteeism should not fall on the shoulders of para educators.
 
Given this information, it became necessary for the Jefferson Federation of Teachers to file a grievance on behalf of the paraeducators of the district. It has been received by the district, and we anticipate a meeting, in the near future, to resolve this issue. We will meet with our paraeducator members to discuss the results of the grievance.
​

more

Statement on JPPSS "Performance" Stipends

On behalf of the employees of the JPPSS, we write to express concern about the distribution of this year’s performance stipends. We applaud those teachers and administrators who received the JPPSS performance stipend as approved by the voters of Jefferson Parish in 2019. Their accomplishments cannot be overstated, but they are not the only educators in Jefferson Parish who have gone above and beyond for their students, despite the unprecedented hardship of the last two years. Much has transpired since this millage was originally passed, including a world-wide pandemic and a catastrophic hurricane. Now, schools are facing a major teacher shortage.

more