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NOLA Public Schools names student delegates to national AI festival and opens assistive-technology lending library
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Fatima Fulmore announced two students will serve as Louisiana delegates to the America’s Youth AI Festival at MIT and highlighted a new NOLA Public Schools Educational Service Agency (ESA) lending library that allows schools to check out iPads, switches, sensory tools, a 3D printer and more to support students with communication needs.
Superintendent Dr. Fatima Fulmore announced that two NOLA Public Schools students — Ron, a senior at George Washington Carver High School, and Lena, a student at Benjamin Franklin High School — were selected as Louisiana’s official delegates to the America’s Youth AI Festival, July 17–19 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Edward M. Kennedy Institute in Boston. The students will join a student senate to debate and help draft K–12 artificial‑intelligence policy recommendations.
Fulmore framed the selections as a rare opportunity to center student voices in discussions about AI in schools. “Every child in our district matters,” Fulmore said, adding that the delegation “highlights the exceptional talent and potential of our young people.” She presented certificates of achievement and invited the students and district staff forward for a photo with the board.
The superintendent also used the report to highlight a new assistive‑technology lending library run by the district’s Educational Service Agency (ESA). Chief Student Support Officer Dr. Shayla Gry described the space as stocked with iPads, switches, sensory tools and equipment that schools can check out and customize. “Schools are able to come into this amazing library and check out various different assisted technology devices, materials, and resources,” Dr. Gry said. The ESA pilot currently serves eight charter networks across 11 schools and includes tools such as 3D printers and a large poster maker for creating tailored classroom supports.
A short video shown at the meeting profiled King, a Morris Jeff Community School student who does not speak verbally; the clip included remarks from his speech‑language pathologist, identified in the recording as Dr. Baggi, who said the technology reduced frustration and challenging behaviors and gave King a practical way to participate in class. Jennifer Koko of the Center for Learner Equity credited the program with expanding family choice and said the effort aims to make it easier for schools to meet students’ needs without delaying services.
District leaders said the ESA is in pilot mode with hopes of expansion so more students with communication or accessibility needs can benefit. Fulmore closed the item by congratulating the students and staff and noting the district’s commitment to giving students voice and choice.
