Jefferson Parish's schools superintendent just got a big raise. See how much. (2024)

The Jefferson Parish School Board this week approved a new four-year contract for Superintendent James Gray that guarantees him a base salary of $321,000 a year, making him the highest-paid school superintendent in the metro New Orleans area.

Not only is Gray's base pay more than any other area superintendent, it is more than that of State Superintendent Cade Brumley, who preceded him in the top job with Jefferson schools.

School Board members approved the contract Wednesday during the board's regularly scheduled meeting, which happened after aday of torrential rains and floodingacross the New Orleans metro area.Board member Steven Guitterrez was the lone vote against the new contract.

Board members praised Gray's leadership, noting his work steering the district through the pandemic and Hurricane Ida.

But Sandra Hauer, the president of the Jefferson Federation of Teachers, said union members have reached out to her to express their concern about the pay raise, noting that the $56,000 raise is more than the yearly salary of a 10-year teacher.

Gray did not address the board during the meeting regarding his new contract but said in a statement on Friday that the contract renewal "underscores our collective dedication to progress."

"While there's still much to accomplish, I'm energized by the opportunity to lead alongside the board, teachers, administrators, staff and the community as a whole," he said. "Together, we'll ensure our schools remain integral to the fabric of our Parish."

District comparisons

Gray became superintendent of the district, the largest in the state, in 2020.Under his first contract,Gray earned a $265,000 base salary, with the possibility of a 2% to 5% raise each year.

Jefferson Parish School Board member Clay Moise said that Gray had received "substantial" raises for meeting performance goals under his previous contract, which puthis actual salary close to the $321,000 he'll get in the new deal.

Board member Derrick Shepherd praised Gray's work addressing the teacher shortage and said Jefferson Parish must compete with other districts to keep its superintendent."I think it's a bargain," he said.

Like his previous contract, Gray's new contract includes a car and a cell phone provided by the board. It also provides health insurance, including after Gray's retirement. Unlike his first contract, it does not include any possibility of an incentive-based raise.

Nonetheless, Gray's new contract puts his base salary above his peers in the metro area and likely the state, saidMichael Faulk, executive director of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents.

NOLA Public Schools Superintendent Avis Williams was hired in 2022 for $300,000, and received a 3% raise this year bringing her salary to $315,000. St. Tammany ParishSuperintendent Frank Jabbiasigned a four-year contract in 2020 for $215,000 annually.

Brumley earned $269,000 per year as Jefferson Parish's superintendent and makes a $285,000 base salary as state superintendent.

Faulk said school districts are often forced to offer higher salaries to recruit and retain candidates as the pool of qualified applicants dwindles.

Four years of challenges

Last year,Gray was honored as superintendent of the yearby the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents, which lauded his work in leading Jefferson Parish through multiple challenges.

Gray took the helm of the district just before the onset of the pandemic. He then navigated the aftermath of Hurricane Ida in 2021, a tumultuous time that resulted in weeks of school closures and building repairs. He also shepherded Jefferson Parish through its decision to close six schools in response to a shrinking student population.

"The proof's in the pudding," Moise said in an interview on Thursday, notingimproved district metrics.The district maintained a "C" letter grade overall last year and has the most top 10 scoring K-8 and high schools of any district in the state, including the top scoring high school, Haynes Academy.

"He relates on every level within the organization and the community," Moise said. "People are drawn to him and they want to be led by them."

Hauer asked the School Board Wednesday if employees can expect raises as well.

"Jefferson Federation of Teachers is for pay raises, but for pay raises that are fair and equitable not just for one," she said. "Can employees expect a similar percentage raise in their contract for the upcoming school year? Our teachers and school support employees have not had a pay raise from the district since 2019, yet their workload has exponentially increased."

Shepherd said that the School Board will continue to try to get teachers a pay raise.