James Meza, dean emeritus of the University of New Orleans College of Education and Human Development, has been named the interim superintendent of the Jefferson Parish Public School System. The board unanimously approved Meza’s hiring. Meza, who will succeed retiring Superintendent Dianne Roussel, will begin his new duties on July 1.
Meza, a pioneer in the local charter school movement, retired in November from UNO’s College of Education and Human Development, where he served as dean for 10 years. Prior to that, he was a professor of educational leadership for 10 years. Meza, who earned his doctorate from UNO, previously served as a high school teacher and principal. The school board will conduct a national search for a permanent superintendent.