Jefferson County Schools Superintendent Walter B. Gonsoulin, Jr. has been named to the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Leaders list, joining 24 national leaders in business, education and health care, including Dolly Parton, Mark Cuban, Michael J. Fox and Jose Andres.

Gonsoulin was recognized in March 2025 as the National Superintendent of the Year. Under his leadership, the percentage of students leaving high school with necessary skills in Jefferson County has climbed to 82%. The class of 2024 graduated with more than $108 million in scholarships.

According to the US News press release, the 2025 Best Leaders edition spotlights 25 extraordinary individuals across public service, business, health care and education whose work is advancing critical sectors impacting our country and every

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