NEW ORLEANS – On Tuesday, March 15, 2016, the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) adopted a resolution authorizing OPSB Superintendent of Schools Dr. Henderson Lewis Jr. to implement a unified, locally-developed funding formula that equitably funds services for students with the greatest needs across traditional and charter schools, pursuant to his authority as the treasurer of the OPSB and as provided for under state law. The board unanimously voted in favor of the resolution.
Lewis said the board’s action was a recognition that public education is headed toward a unified, locally-governed system of schools.
“We are working with all Orleans public schools, the leaders of the Recovery School District, and our own OPSB school leaders to develop solutions to some of our most urgent needs,” Lewis said. “Over the last several months, this process has yielded productive conversations and healthy debate over school funding for a future model portfolio school district. It has required considerable time, understanding and compromise among all committee participants, and the OPSB extends our sincerest thanks for their efforts. I am grateful for the OPSB’s decision and excited about this next step in unifying our schools under local governance. We have a lot to be proud of today.”
OPSB President Seth said the working group laid the groundwork for the board’s decision authorizing Lewis to implement an equitable student funding formula.
“The working group conducted extensive research and held frequent meetings with OPSB, the Recovery School District and schools under the jurisdiction of each district,” Bloom said. “It is one of many steps we will take to continue building a unified, equitable system of public schools, one that promotes academic excellence and opportunity for every student in Orleans Parish.”
