Deputy Superintendent Mary "Mikie" Ehret told BGR that both she and her husband were "in the service" in Texas in 1964. Her husband was in the military. She was teaching. Forty years later, this caring, dedicated professional educator is still "in the service," and she has had a tremendous positive impact on children, teachers, and principals.

Ms. Ehret, a New Orleans native, returned from Texas and joined the Jefferson Parish Public School System in 1967. She taught elementary school at Gretna No. 1 and at George Cox Elementary, where she also served as curriculum coordinator. In 1981, she became the principal of Middleton Kindergarten Center. In 1983, she became the principal of McDonough No. 26 Elementary School. Ms. Ehret was the founding principal of Geraldine Boudreaux Elementary School. Her leadership made Boudreaux one of Jefferson Parish’s best, a school sought out by teachers and treasured by parents and students.

Ms. Ehret has received such awards as the Jefferson Reading Administrator of the Year (1989), National Distinguished Principal Semifinalist (1991), Jefferson Parish Elementary Principal of the Year (1996), and the Chamber of Commerce/Cox Communications Excellence in Education Award (1997). She has served as Director of Elementary Education, and two years ago accepted the call to become Deputy Superintendent of Instruction.

Ms. Ehret continues to serve as an instructional leader, knowledgeable change agent, and a charismatic connection between principals and district administrators. Her vision, energy, and outstanding leadership skills have benefited generations in Jefferson Parish. Her legacy of educational excellence is an enduring endowment.