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Superintendent celebrates one-year, cites first B rating and special-education progress
Summary
At an April board meeting, the superintendent highlighted the district's first B-rated performance score, the release from an 11-year special-education consent judgment, recognition of long-serving staff and the inaugural superintendent student leadership council.
The superintendent of NOLA Public Schools presented her April report at the board meeting, celebrated staff and student leaders, and outlined recent district milestones.
"Your dedication is the heartbeat of our district," the superintendent said as she opened the report and introduced awards for staff who reached multi-year service anniversaries, including Asia McCayman (5 years), Scarlett Odell Beckles (10 years), Tracy Tingstrom (10 years) and Bridal Sumlin (25 years).
She marked April 17 as her first anniversary as superintendent and thanked the board and staff for their support. "Serving in this role has been an incredible journey," she said, and she described continuing efforts to improve outcomes for students.
On performance, the superintendent said, "we earned our first b rated, performance score for NOLA Public Schools," and credited students, staff and leadership. She also said the district "has been released from an 11 year consent judgment for special education," and noted efforts to stabilize finances and strengthen supports for students with disabilities and English learners.
The superintendent highlighted the inaugural superintendent student leadership council, describing months of meetings, capstone projects and both virtual and in-person sessions. She introduced a short video showcasing the council and invited students to the podium; three student leaders described the council as a chance to raise peer voice and help their schools.
Larry Washington of Junior Achievement was recognized as a sponsor of the student leadership council; the superintendent thanked school leaders, the communications team and staff who organized receptions and events. She noted recent district events including an autism acceptance event at the Mahalia Jackson Center, a spring safety summit at Cohen High School, and the New Orleans Career Center capital campaign completion.
Staff logistics and student awards were described: students received trophies and a framed letter from Dr. Fulmore noting service hours, and names were called alphabetically for presentations and a group photo.
The superintendent closed by thanking families and staff and noting she will speak at the Women Lead in Ed Conference the following day.
The meeting concluded after awards and the superintendent's remarks.
