Jefferson Parish Schools Executive and Leadership Team

Sarah Caruso, the Chief Financial Officer at Jefferson Parish Schools, manages the fiscal health of the largest public school district in Louisiana. Caruso directs complex budgetary planning, ensuring that funding aligns with the educational requirements of 74 schools across the Mississippi River. By overseeing federal and state grant compliance, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary capital for classroom resources and facility maintenance. This leadership role involves rigorous auditing and financial reporting to the Board, maintaining transparency for all stakeholders. Sarah Caruso optimizes resource distribution to maximize student outcomes while balancing the district's long-term economic stability. Through strategic oversight of payroll, procurement, and accounting departments, the Chief Financial Officer drives operational efficiency. This financial discipline supports the broader mission of providing high-quality public education to the diverse student population within the region, ensuring that every dollar directly benefits the classroom experience.

Kriss Fortunato, the President, District 3 at Jefferson Parish Schools, governs the strategic direction and policy framework for the district. Fortunato leads board meetings, facilitating consensus among elected officials to address the needs of the largest student population in Louisiana. By overseeing the development of district-wide policies, the President, District 3 ensures that educational standards remain high across all 74 schools. This leadership role involves engaging with community members and parents to align school board initiatives with the public interest. Kriss Fortunato evaluates the performance of the superintendent and monitors the implementation of long-term strategic goals. Through the promotion of transparency and accountability, the President, District 3 drives the district's commitment to equitable learning opportunities. This governance role requires balancing diverse stakeholder perspectives to foster a supportive environment for students and educators, ultimately shaping the future of public education within the region.

Mike Lavelle, the Chief Information Officer & Chief Technology Officer at Jefferson Parish Schools, architects the digital infrastructure supporting 74 schools. Lavelle manages the deployment of classroom technology, network security, and data management systems across the entire district. By overseeing the integration of educational software, the Chief Information Officer & Chief Technology Officer ensures that students and faculty possess the tools required for modern learning. This role involves coordinating with administrative leadership to implement scalable IT solutions that enhance district-wide communication and data-driven decision-making. Mike Lavelle secures the network against cyber threats, protecting sensitive student information while maintaining high uptime for digital learning platforms. Through the modernization of hardware and software assets, the Chief Information Officer & Chief Technology Officer drives technological equity across the Mississippi River. This focus on digital transformation empowers educators to deliver personalized instruction, ultimately improving academic performance and operational agility throughout the entire school system.

Patrick Jenkins, the Chief Operations Officer at Jefferson Parish Schools, directs the logistical framework necessary to maintain 74 schools. Jenkins oversees facility management, transportation services, and food nutrition programs for the largest district in Louisiana. By coordinating maintenance schedules and capital improvement projects, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that physical learning environments remain safe and conducive to student success. This leadership role involves managing large-scale supply chains and vendor contracts to optimize operational costs. Patrick Jenkins monitors transportation routes across the Mississippi River, guaranteeing reliable daily access for thousands of students. Through the implementation of efficient safety protocols and building management systems, the Chief Operations Officer supports the district's commitment to high-quality public education. This operational oversight directly impacts the daily experience of students and staff, ensuring that the infrastructure functions seamlessly to support the academic mission of the entire school system.