Warren Easton Charter High School CEO Announces Retirement After 30 Years in Education

NEW ORLEANS, LA — Warren Easton Charter High School Principal and Chief Executive Officer Mervin Jackson has announced his retirement at the conclusion of the current school year, marking the culmination of a distinguished 30-year career serving students across New Orleans. Jackson shared the news with the school’s Board of Directors on Wednesday evening.Under Jackson’s leadership, Warren Easton has continued to thrive as a high-performing, in-demand, open-enrollment school, maintaining a consistent 100% graduation rate and expanding opportunities for students across academic and career pathways.Jackson was appointed Principal of Warren Easton Charter High School, Louisiana’s oldest public high school, in June 2018 and assumed the role of Principal/CEO in June 2019. He began his career in education as a seventh-grade social studies teacher and has served students at Edward Phillips Junior High School, L.B. Landry High School, Eleanor McMain Magnet School, and Warren Easton Fundamental Magnet Senior High School, where he began working in 1999.“Mr. Jackson’s impact on Warren Easton cannot be overstated,” said Floyd Miles Jr., Board Chair of Warren Easton Charter High School and a 1984 alumnus. “For three decades, he has led with integrity, vision, and an unwavering commitment to our students and community. From helping reopen the school after Hurricane Katrina to expanding opportunities that prepare students for college and careers, his leadership has strengthened Warren Easton for generations to come. On behalf of the Board, we thank Mr. Jackson for his extraordinary service and lasting legacy.”In September 2006, Jackson played a pivotal role in reopening Warren Easton following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, helping restore stability, academic rigor, and community pride during one of the most challenging periods in the school’s history.Throughout his career, Jackson has served as a coach, teacher, disciplinarian, and Assistant Principal, ultimately leading Warren Easton through a period of growth and innovation. During his tenure as Principal/CEO, the school expanded enrollment to approximately 1300 students in response to strong demand, established the city’s only stand-alone Ninth Grade Academy to support freshman success, and strengthened academic systems that promote graduation and postsecondary readiness.Jackson also expanded high-quality career pathways in Culinary Arts, Pre-Education, and Medical programs, forging strategic partnerships with organizations including LCMC Health and Touro to provide students with real-world learning experiences. Warren Easton culinary students, for example, complete a capstone project at the House of Blues, gaining hands-on industry exposure prior to graduation.A graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, Jackson holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and earned his Principal Certification from the School Leadership Center of Greater New Orleans. He is a founding member of The Alliance for Diversity and Excellence, a coalition of African American educational leaders advocating for charter autonomy and equitable opportunities for students and families. In July 2018, he was selected as a Visiting Principal by the Accelerate Institute of Chicago, a national program focused on developing transformational school leaders.“Serving the students and families of Warren Easton has been the greatest honor of my professional life,” Jackson said. “I am proud of what we have built together and confident that the school will continue to thrive in the years ahead.”The Warren Easton Board of Directors will begin a leadership transition process in the coming months to ensure continuity and stability for students, staff, and families. Additional information regarding transition plans will be shared as it becomes available.