Students actively participating in a classroom setting in New Orleans, representing a diverse educational environment.
The Orleans Parish School Board has narrowed down the selection process for the next NOLA Public Schools Superintendent to two candidates: Sharon Latten-Clark and Fateama Fulmore. Both finalists have strong backgrounds in education, with Latten-Clark recognized for her long-standing leadership at Sophie B. Wright Charter School and Fulmore currently serving as interim superintendent. The board is proceeding with initial interviews, and the public will have a chance to meet the candidates at a town hall on April 1, leading to a final decision on April 2.
New Orleans, a city known for its vibrant culture and warm spirit, is buzzing with anticipation as the Orleans Parish School Board has selected two finalists for the esteemed position of NOLA Public Schools Superintendent. The candidates are none other than Sharon Latten-Clark and Fateama Fulmore, both of whom bring their unique experiences and backgrounds to the table.
Sharon Latten-Clark has been a pillar of the New Orleans education system, serving as the head of Sophie B. Wright Charter School for nearly 25 years. Her tenure has been marked by remarkable transformation, especially post-Hurricane Katrina, when she led the school through its transition into a charter school. Under her guidance, Sophie B. Wright received a commendable “B” letter grade from the state for the 2023-24 school year, demonstrating her capability in driving academic excellence.
On the other hand, we have Fateama Fulmore, who is currently the interim superintendent after taking the reins when the previous superintendent resigned amid financial upheaval. Fulmore’s previous role as deputy superintendent since 2022 adds to her qualifications, along with over a decade of valuable experience in various school districts, such as Omaha, Philadelphia, and North Carolina. Her interim leadership has already garnered appreciation for addressing pressing financial challenges, including a daunting $50 million deficit.
The search for a new superintendent was no walk in the park! With more than 20 candidates vying for the top spot, the Orleans Parish School Board distilled the list to two outstanding finalists based on anonymous applications. Both Latten-Clark and Fulmore received unanimous support from all seven board members, which speaks volumes about their potential to lead NOLA Public Schools towards a brighter future.
The board is set to carry out initial interviews of the finalists as part of the selection process. Following that, there will be an exciting opportunity for the public to meet both candidates at a town hall scheduled for April 1. This is your chance to get an up-close look at who could be steering the ship of NOLA’s educational future. Mark your calendars, as the final decision is expected to be made on April 2, with a contract vote planned for April 17.
Clark has not only been influential in her role at Sophie B. Wright but is also a member of the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and chairs the state’s attendance task force. Her extensive ties to the local community are undoubtedly an asset.
Fulmore, for her part, has introduced some innovative initiatives, including a charter advisory council and engaging public sessions titled “Candid Conversations with Dr. Fulmore.” This kind of open dialogue fosters community involvement, which is vital for the success of the school district.
With such substantial financial hurdles and the need for effective leadership, the Orleans Parish School Board recognizes the significance of their choice. The future of NOLA Public Schools hangs in the balance, and the expectations are high. President Katie Baudouin has pointed out how critical this selection process is for shaping the educational landscape of the city.
As NOLA looks toward the future, the community remains hopeful that either of these candidates will rise to the occasion, ushering in a new era of educational excellence for all students in the Crescent City. Stay tuned; it’s a thrilling time for education in New Orleans!
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