FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, August 28, 2019
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Senator Mary Landrieuhas announced her support of Kira Orange Jones for the District 2 seat on the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
“Kira is an effective and passionate leader who believes that all children in Louisiana should have access to a high-quality education,” said Mary Landrieu, U.S. Senator. “She understands, in particular, how important a quality education is to poor and disadvantage children and their families. Her leadership on BESE is key to continuing the good progress we are making.”“Mary has always been a solid champion for our children and education. She courageously fought on both the state and national level for additional educational resources,” said BESE member Kira Orange Jones. “I am proud to have her support.”
Kira Orange Jones was first elected to BESE in 2011, where she has been a strong advocate for students, teachers and schools. Kira’s personal journey is a testament to how education can change lives. Raised by a single mother, Kira went from remedial classes in high school to earning a college degree from Wesleyan University and then a master’s in education from Harvard. Kira’s passion for education and desire to give back led her to start her career as a 4thgrade teacher, eventually rising to an administrative position supervising over 5,000 teachers and education leaders. On BESE, she has supported teacher pay raises, increased funding for early childhood education and advocated for better college and career preparation for high school students.
During Kira’s tenure, more students are graduating better prepared for college and careers, especially students of color. In 2018, we saw the largest graduating class in state history, and for the first time, African-American student on-time graduation rates surpassed the national average.
More students in Louisiana, and more African-American students in particular, are:
- Scoring 21 and above on the ACT;
- Graduating from high school in four years and with early college credit and industry career credentials;
- Eligible for TOPS scholarships; and
- Enrolling in college.
BESE District 2 includes the east and west banks of New Orleans, the west bank of Jefferson, and St. Charles, St. John, St. James and Assumption parishes. The primary election is Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019.
###