Lowell Milken, right, an education philanthropist and the founder of the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET), congratulates James Gray, superintendent of Jefferson Parish Schools, as Laura Roussel, chief academic officer, holds the ceremonial check, as they are joined on stage by staff with the Jefferson Parish Schools system during the surprise announcement that the district had received the 2026 District Award of Excellence for Educator Effectiveness, along with a $50,000 grand prize. The honor was announced during a conference at the New Orleans Marriott on Thursday, April 2, 2026. The district was selected from among school systems nationwide for its commitment to fostering educatorsÕ professional growth, elevating teacher leadership, and improving student outcomes. (Photo by Chris Granger, The Times-Picayune)