PORT ALLEN — Numerous credible sources confirm that the principal of Port Allen High School has been placed on administrative leave following an incident at a recent basketball game.
West Baton Rouge Parish School Superintendent Chandler Smith declined to confirm or deny to UWK whether Principal James Jackson is on leave, citing personnel confidentiality.
UWK has learned that during a basketball game between Port Allen High School and Tara High School on Dec. 4, 2024, Jackson was captured on video pushing a man. The man involved is reportedly the husband of another school employee. The reason behind the altercation remains unclear. Additionally, sources allege that vulgar language was exchanged during the encounter.
The day after the incident, Jackson reportedly addressed students over the school intercom, apologizing and stating that his actions were not an appropriate way to resolve a disagreement. This statement came after the video of the altercation went viral online, though it was quickly removed.
Within days of the incident, Jackson was placed on leave, according to multiple sources. It is unclear whether the leave is paid or unpaid, but an investigation into the incident is underway. Despite being on leave, Jackson is allegedly still engaging in daily interactions with the school’s staff and students.
Jackson is expected to return to the school after the Christmas break in January 2025, according to a Dec. 6 email he sent to faculty.
UWK reached out to Jackson for comment, but as of this report, no response has been received.
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2 Responses
Mr Jackson the coolest nigga I ever met stop the bs. He don’t mean no harm just want better for the black community, it been that 💯
My daughter is a junior at PAHS & this guy is a tyrant! He has MANDATED class fees for each semester ($5 – $35 per class) collected at the beginning of school & before the end of school second semester. He raised the school fees to $125 at the beginning of school (included a yearbook, spirit t-shirt, locker usage, & an Id) and seniors had to pay an additional $250. If a family doesn’t pay their child is placed omw his Bad debt list & can’t participate in elective classes – like drivers ed – or go to things like Prom. For the last 2 years I have refused to pay my daughter’s class fees for the second semester, usually around $60, bc none of them can explain where the money goes. I have met with Mr. Jackson and voiced my concerns that these practices are against Ladept. Of Ed. Recommend practices relating to this subject as it infringes omw our Rights to a free education in a public school, but it falls omw deaf Ears. The superintendent will not see or speak to anyone about Mr. Jackson or the things that have been going omw there. I’m begging yhu to Dig deeper & let the public know the extent of things he’s doing over here!