New Orleans School Board Advances Search for New Superintendent

News Summary

New Orleans is in the spotlight as the Orleans Parish School Board narrows down its search for a new superintendent, following former Superintendent Avis Williams’ departure. With three semifinalists selected, including interim superintendent Fateama Fulmore, charter school leader Sharon Clark, and nonprofit CEO Dedrick Sims, the board is focused on finding a leader who can uplift the district. Community engagement is encouraged through upcoming public meetings, allowing residents to interact with the candidates. The final decision is anticipated by mid-April, signaling a pivotal change for NOLA Public Schools.

Exciting Times Awaits in New Orleans: The Search for a New School Superintendent Heats Up!

New Orleans is buzzing with anticipation as the Orleans Parish School Board has made significant strides in the search for a new superintendent. With the departure of former Superintendent Avis Williams last year, the board is eager to find a replacement who can lead the district into a brighter future. Thursday evening marked a crucial step, as board members voted to select three semifinalist candidates for the coveted position.

Meet the Semifinalists

The board has narrowed it down to three impressive semifinalists:

• Fateama Fulmore: Currently serving as the interim superintendent of NOLA Public Schools, Fulmore has an extensive background, having been the deputy superintendent under Williams. She has been tackling the district’s financial crisis head-on, which has ballooned to nearly $50 million.
• Sharon Clark: Known as a longtime leader in the charter school space, Clark also boasts membership on the state board of education. Her wealth of experience spans nearly 25 years, including a transformative role at Sophie B. Wright as it transitioned into a charter school.
• Dedrick Sims: As the CEO of a nonprofit organization focused on supporting young men of color, Sims has a diverse background that includes being a principal in both traditional and charter schools.

The search for a new district leader has been underway since January, with applications pouring in until the March 16 deadline. An impressive pool of over 20 candidates showed their interest in leading the charge for NOLA Public Schools.

A Fair and Transparent Selection Process

To maintain objectivity, the board members evaluated all applications anonymously. This means that candidates’ names and contact details were kept under wraps, allowing board members to assess the applicants’ qualifications purely based on merit. Following this careful consideration, seven candidates could have advanced to semifinalist status if they received enough support from board members. Ultimately, Fulmore and Clark earned votes from all seven board members, while Sims garnered support from five.

Interestingly, Ashonta Wyatt, an education consultant and former principal, was notably absent from the semifinalist list, despite having significant community backing. She managed to secure votes from two board members, but it wasn’t enough to move her into the next round.

The Path Ahead

Looking forward, the board has planned an exciting sequence of events for the semifinalists. A special board meeting is set for Tuesday to conduct the first round of interviews. But there’s more! On April 1, the public is invited to attend a district town hall meeting at Walter L. Cohen High School. This will be a golden opportunity for community members to hear from the candidates, as they will rotate through 30-minute sessions to introduce themselves and answer questions from attendees. It’s a chance for residents to engage with the potential future leaders of their schools!

After these initial interviews, the final round will take place on April 2, leading to the momentous selection of the new superintendent. The board intends to vote on a contract during their meeting on April 17. School Board President Katie Baudouin has highlighted the importance of this selection process, emphasizing that the future of NOLA Public Schools hangs in the balance, and they are keen on finding a leader who can ignite passion and progress within the district.

The Semifinalists’ Backgrounds

Let’s take a closer look at the backgrounds of these semifinals candidates:

• Fulmore carries a bachelor’s degree in business administration, a master’s in school administration, an educational specialist degree focused on educational leadership, and a doctorate in leadership of PK-12 schools. Her experience spans various roles including career and technical education teacher, principal, and chief of accountability.
• Clark holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Xavier University, along with a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of New Orleans. Her dedication has helped transform schools and improve educational outcomes.
• Sims has a scholarly background too; he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and both a master’s and doctorate in Instructional Design and Development from the University of South Alabama, complementing his experience as a principal and educator.

As the search for a new superintendent unfolds, New Orleans is on the edge of its seat, eager to see who will emerge as the new leader who can uplift and inspire its schools. The excitement is palpable, and everyone is eager for what comes next!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Orleans Parish Schools Receive $25 Million Funding Boost
Broussard Residents Face Uncertainty Over Internet Expansion
New Orleans Gears Up for St. Joseph’s Day Festivities
Serious Allergy Incident at Rollins Elementary School
Governor Jeff Landry Renames Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America
New Orleans Music Census Sessions Equip Musicians for Success
New Orleans Education Crisis Deepens Amid Funding Withdrawal
Hope Community Health Center Faces Financial Crisis in New Orleans
Funding Cuts Cloud Tree Planting Efforts in New Orleans
New Orleans Restaurants Close Their Doors as New Ventures Emerge

Additional Resources

• NOLA: Candidates for New Orleans Superintendent
• NOLA: NOLA Public Schools Superintendent Search
• Fox8 Live: NOPD Superintendent Search
• KSLA: Caddo Parish School Board Announcement
• Wikipedia: Education in New Orleans