Joshua Barnett, CEO of the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching, embraces Chief Academic Officer Laura Roussel as she and educators f…

Lowell Milken, right in red tie, an education philanthropist and the founder of the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET), pose…

James Gray, left, superintendent of Jefferson Parish Schools, celebrates with Chief Academic Officer Laura Roussel after the surprise announce…

Lowell Milken, right, an education philanthropist and the founder of the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET), applauds James …

Lowell Milken, right, an education philanthropist and the founder of the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET), congratulates J…

Ralph J. Bunche Elementary School Principal Monya Thomas-Criddle chats with students as the school day ends in Kenner on Thursday, January 22,…

Veshunn Sanxton walks with her grandson, Harden Smith, 6, after greeting him in front of Ralph J. Bunche Elementary School as school ends for …

A vacant Washington Elementary School in Kenner on Thursday, January 22, 2026. (Photo by Chris Granger, The Times-Picayune)