JP Schools Announces Second Round of New Principal Appointments for 2019-20

Jefferson Parish Schools has announced six new principal appointments for the 2019-20 school year. This is the second round of principal appointment announcements. Click here to view the first round of new principal appointments for the 2019-20 school year.

These principal appointments are part of the district’s strategic effort to identify vacancies and hire school leaders early. By hiring principals earlier, these school leaders are able to identify vacancies at their new schools earlier and hire teachers during the heart of the teacher recruiting season. These action steps help JP Schools hire, grow, and keep the best teachers and leaders as part of the district’s strategic plan, 2024: The Future Our Kids Deserve.

Bonnabel Magnet Academy High: Dr. Adam Lanford

Dr. Adam Lanford is currently the academic dean at Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies. In addition to his experience as a teacher, Dr. Lanford has five years of experience as an assistant principal from his time in South Carolina school districts. He earned his Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Gardner Webb University.

East Jefferson High: Ben Moscona

Ben Moscona is currently the principal of Bridgedale Elementary. A former JP Schools Principal of the Year, Moscona has been instrumental in Bridgedale Elementary being named a National Title I Distinguished School, as well as a Top Gains school and an Equity Honoree by the Louisiana Department of Education. On its most recent state report card, Bridgedale earned a B for its School Performance Score and an A for student progress. Moscona is the current president of the Jefferson Association of Public School Administrators and is a member of the Superintendent’s Principal Council.

Frederick Douglass Elementary: Cindy Sheldon

Cindy Sheldon is currently the academic dean of Frederick Douglass Elementary. Sheldon has over 20 years of experience as a teacher. She is a JP Schools IGNITE Teacher Leader Fellow and a member of the district’s new leadership pipeline for principals, Operation: LEAD.

G.T. Woods Elementary: LaShana Pollard-Hill

LaShana Pollard-Hill is currently the principal of Ford Middle and is a member of the Superintendent’s Principal Council. Pollard-Hill joined JP Schools in 2018 from Tangipahoa Parish, where she spent the previous two years as assistant principal of Ponchatoula Junior High. During her 15-plus years in education, she has also served as an interim principal, master teacher, and coach.

J.C. Ellis Elementary: Lisa Kendrick

Lisa Kendrick is currently the assistant principal of J.C. Ellis Elementary. In her current role, she led the implementation of the district’s new Tier 1 curriculum through professional development sessions for teachers. Kendrick has over 21 years of education experience.

Livaudais Middle: Demetria Hamilton

Demetria Hamilton is currently the principal of McDonogh 26 Elementary. Under her leadership, McDonogh 26 Elementary has been recognized for student growth five times since 2012 by the Louisiana Department of Education. The school was one of 15 in the greater New Orleans area and seven in JP Schools recognized by the state for top growth. Hamilton is a member of the Superintendent’s Principal Council and is a Mentor Principal for the district’s new leadership pipeline for principals, Operation: LEAD.