There have been many recent discussions on the U.S. Department of Education’s decisions to cancel multiple federal grants connected to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, including two critical grants that supported teacher recruitment and retention in New Orleans’ public schools. These grants weren’t revoked due to ineffectiveness—they were cut because of their connection to DEI.

This decision is part of a broader national shift that falsely frames DEI as a barrier to excellence. In reality, research consistently shows the opposite—teacher diversity directly benefits students, particularly Black students. Studies confirm that when students are taught by teachers who share their backgrounds, academic outcomes improve. Here in New Orleans, where Black teacher representation has grown by 10% in recent years, student performance data underscores this truth.

Despite these setbacks, NSNO remains committed to protecting and advancing teacher diversity in our schools. The impact is clear: when our classrooms reflect the diversity of our students, they thrive.

Make sure to check out a recent article discussing the issue from EdPost here.

After initially naming three semifinalists (you can read more here), the Orleans Parish School Board has now voted on two finalists in its search for the next superintendent of NOLA Public Schools:

— Dr. Sharon Latten-Clark – A longtime New Orleans charter school leader and current BESE board member, Clark brings decades of experience and deep knowledge of the local educational landscape.

— Dr. Fateama Fulmore – Currently serving as interim superintendent, Dr. Fulmore has led the district through a critical transition period with a focus on continuity and student-centered leadership.

This leadership transition comes at a critical moment for our city’s schools. As our CEO, Dana Peterson, shared in a recent op-ed, “New Orleans continues to climb” in student performance — even as national trends show decline. This moment is an opportunity — not just for OPSB, but for our entire community — to rally behind a leader who will keep students at the center. Given the complexity and uniqueness of our local education system, deep familiarity with the New Orleans landscape should be seen as a key qualification, especially as the district works to protect recent academic gains and build toward a sustainable future.

We believe this progress is rooted in values that define our local system: flexibility and accountability for educators, equity for families, and a commitment to continuous improvement. The next superintendent will be tasked with living out those values while navigating complex challenges — from enrollment shifts to changes at the federal level — with empathy, collaboration, and a laser focus on what matters most: student success.

The School Board is expected to make its final selection on April 2. As OPSB moves forward in selecting the district’s next leader, NSNO remains committed to partnering with schools and the broader community to ensure every student has access to a high-quality education.

Last month, NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) and NSNO launched the NOLA-PS Data Dashboard, a powerful new tool designed to provide clear, accessible, and actionable data on the city’s public schools. This publicly available dashboard supports district leaders, school and charter organization leaders, system partners, and researchers in making data-driven decisions that enhance school quality, sustainability, and equity.  The dashboard offers:

• Reliable data that is accurate, consistently updated, and publicly accessible.
• Relevant insights on critical issues like student achievement, teacher retention, and enrollment trends.
• Relatable visuals and customizable tools that make data easy to navigate and use.

By increasing transparency and accessibility, the dashboard empowers decision-makers to:

• Plan for long-term school sustainability by optimizing resources like facilities and enrollment capacity.
• Strengthen accountability measures for school performance and system oversight.
• Support student equity efforts by addressing gaps in achievement and access.
• Bolster teacher retention and workforce development to sustain high-quality instruction.

This tool represents a major step forward in transparency and data-driven planning for New Orleans’ schools. We encourage school leaders, educators, families, and community members to explore the dashboard, share it with their networks, and use data to help shape a brighter future for our students.

To use the Data Dashboard, visit data.nolapublicschools.com. 

Last week, a Civil District Court judge voided a $90 million settlement agreement that was expected to provide critical funding to New Orleans public schools. The agreement — originally reached between the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) and the City of New Orleans — was designed to resolve a lawsuit over the city’s collection and disbursement of tax revenues intended for education.

While the judge’s ruling nullifies the full settlement, the City was ordered to provide $10 million in immediate funding to schools. In addition, OPSB announced it will pull $25 million from its general fund reserves and operating budget to “ensure uninterrupted services for students across the district.” These combined efforts are important steps as public schools face a significant budget shortfall heading into the 2024-2025 school year.

As we shared in a previous newsletter, this shortfall is due to a combination of factors: lower-than-expected tax collections, the lapse of pandemic-era federal funds, and stalled progress on this very settlement. Without additional revenue or clarity on what to expect in future years, schools may be forced to make tough decisions — including program cuts, layoffs, and reductions in services that support students’ continued academic growth.

We remain committed to keeping stakeholders informed. For more information, you can review our school funding fact sheet and continue following updates as this issue evolves.

Mardi Gras 2025 was one for the books! It was incredible to see our NOLA public school community shining on the parade routes—marching, celebrating, and coming together in true Carnival spirit. A special shoutout to our annual Mardi Gras Competition winners: the John F. Kennedy Marching Band and Frederick Douglass Auxiliary (Dance) Team, whose video submissions were voted as the favorites of the season! Congratulations to all the talented students and educators who made this year’s festivities unforgettable.