By Malcolm Butler
Kennedy Jones has been elected president of the Grambling High Foundation Board of Directors, the governing body that oversees Lincoln Preparatory School, according to a press release from the school Friday.
Jones succeeds Robert Wiley as board president at a time when Lincoln Prep is working to strengthen its financial operations after announcing last month that it had made approximately $675,000 in personnel cuts and salary reductions to meet compliance requirements tied to the bonds used to finance the school’s campus.
The school also retained 4th Sector Solutions to oversee financial operations following a preliminary audit that identified concerns with financial management practices and internal controls.
Jones serves as director of civil rights and Title IX coordinator at Grambling State University, where he oversees the university’s civil rights compliance program. His responsibilities include matters involving Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and other federal and state nondiscrimination laws.
He also advises university leadership on legal compliance, risk management and policy development.
Jones is a licensed attorney and holds both a Juris Doctor and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in taxation. His professional experience includes higher education administration, governance, regulatory compliance and public law.
Lincoln Preparatory School Executive Director Rashid Young said Jones’ background will benefit the school’s governing board.
“Kennedy Jones is an exceptional leader whose legal expertise, integrity and commitment to educational excellence make him the right person to lead our board,” Young said.
As board president, Jones will oversee the board’s governance responsibilities, including establishing strategic priorities, providing fiscal oversight, supporting academic programs and maintaining accountability to students, families, employees and the community.
“I am honored and humbled by the confidence my fellow board members have placed in me,” Jones said. “I look forward to working collaboratively with the board, Executive Director Rashid Young, our educators, families, alumni, community leaders and partners as we continue expanding opportunities for every student.”
According to the school, current initiatives include organizational restructuring, expanded partnerships with colleges, universities and businesses, workforce development opportunities and continued efforts to strengthen financial oversight and operations.
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