NEW ORLEANS – As the Louisiana House of Representatives gave its approval Thursday, May 5, 2016, to SB 432, authorizing the return of publicly funded schools in Orleans Parish to the leadership of the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) by July 1, 2018, OPSB Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis Jr. said, “This is a huge day for our students, teachers, families and the City of New Orleans/”
“I want to thank Rep. Dr. Joseph Bouie for advancing this issue before the legislature and Sen. Karen Carter-Peterson for her leadership putting the coalition together to sponsor a bill that unifies the schools under the leadership of the Orleans Parish School Board,” he said. “Since beginning my tenure as Superintendent of Orleans Parish Public Schools, the OPSB administration has worked tirelessly and passionately toward unification of schools. I am excited for what the future holds for our students and families.”
“This important legislation regarding governance for Orleans Parish had widespread support, which is a credit to Sen. Peterson and her colleagues in this region,” said OPSB President Seth Bloom. “We are looking forward to Gov. Edwards’ signature to finalize this critical step in returning Orleans Parish public schools to a unified system under local stewardship.”
“We are more than prepared for this opportunity to provide success for all of our students, and we look forward to conducting this transition in an orderly and efficient process that will be inclusive of all schools and community stakeholders,” Lewis said. “Over the past year we’ve worked in partnership with Orleans Parish education leaders to prepare the district for unification.”
The bill will now advance to Gov. John Bel Edwards for final approval.
