The District Digest

Every Child. Every School. Every Day.

The District Digest, a refreshed take on our district newsletter! This new name reflects our commitment to delivering timely updates, celebrating successes, and keeping our NOLA-PS community informed and engaged. Stay tuned for highlights, announcements, and stories that matter most to you!

To subscribe click here.

Click the picture above to play the video of the Superintendent's Board Report.

One Year Anniversary: Serving Our Students and Community

Dear NOLA-PS Community,

I am profoundly grateful to the Orleans Parish School Board for the trust and confidence they have placed in me. This past year has been one of great meaning, marked by genuine joy, honest challenges, and transformative growth. It has offered us a rare and valuable opportunity to reimagine what is possible for our students and our schools, and I have been enriched by every lesson learned along the way.

One of the greatest gifts of this role has been the people. From the remarkable school leaders who show up every day with purpose and dedication, to the extraordinary individuals I have had the privilege of meeting across our city — each encounter has deepened my commitment to this work and to this community.

I want to be clear: this work is never finished. Continuous improvement is not just a goal; it is our obligation. That is why your feedback, your suggestions, and your honest recommendations are not merely welcomed; they are essential. We receive each one with seriousness and sincerity, because our vision is bold and unwavering: for NOLA-PS to be the premier destination for education in New Orleans and a recognized model of excellence on the national stage.

To my dedicated team, our families and community members, our partners, and our school leaders — thank you. Your steadfast support has been the foundation upon which this work stands. Serving as superintendent of this district is an honor I do not take lightly, and I am fully committed to ensuring that we continue to rise.

There will be difficult seasons ahead, that is the nature of meaningful work. But I have no doubt that if we face those moments together, with honesty, resilience, and a shared sense of purpose, we will find our way through to something brighter.

Thank you for walking this journey alongside me.

Expect Excellence!

Dr. Fateama Fulmore  

Superintendent, NOLA Public Schools

Special Education Milestone: OPSB Released from P.B. v. Brumley Consent Judgment

Great news for our community. Recently, a U.S. District Judge officially released the Orleans Parish School Board from the P.B. v. Brumley Consent Judgment. After more than eight years of sustained substantial compliance, NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) is no longer under federal court oversight.

P.B. v. Brumley started back in 2010 as a class-action lawsuit filed by the Southern Poverty Law Center on behalf of about 4,500 New Orleans public school students with disabilities. The 2015 Consent Judgment pushed for big systemic changes so every student could get the free appropriate public education promised under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Our charter schools, families, students, and staff worked hard together for years to build a stronger special education system. This release shows that effort paid off. We are no longer under federal court oversight.

We know some families may have questions about what this really means for day-to-day support. Here are a few important facts to clear up common questions:

• Oversight continues. The Louisiana Department of Education performs regular IDEA monitoring, and NOLA-PS conducts annual site visits to every charter school with a full special education review.

• All schools must still follow IDEA. Every public school in Orleans Parish remains fully bound by federal and state special education laws.



• Families still have support. Our schools and the Student Support Ombudsman are here to help. Contact ombudsman@nolapublicschools.com anytime.

NOLA-PS remains committed to providing high-quality special education for every child that needs it. If you need assistance, reach out to your school’s Student Support Director or our Ombudsman.

Together, we keep building a stronger system.

NOLA Educational Service Agency: Stronger Support for Students with Disabilities

NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS is excited to share the latest on the NOLA Educational Service Agency, or ESA. This new shared service model is already making a real difference for students with disabilities across our charter schools.

The ESA’s mission is simple and powerful: to deliver excellent educational experiences and positive life outcomes for students with disabilities by giving member schools affordable, high-quality services and support. Right now, eight pilot schools are on board: Audubon Schools, Ben Franklin Elementary, Bricolage, Élan Academy, Edward Hynes Charter Schools, Morris Jeff Community School, The Willow School, and Young Audiences Charter School.

Here is what the ESA offers:

• Shared service providers for adapted physical education, audiology, visual impairment and orientation and mobility, occupational therapy, and American Sign Language.

• An assistive technology lending library with augmentative and alternative communication devices that students can check out as needed.

• A centralized 504 Plan database that makes school transfers smoother and keeps everything compliant.

• Professional development, a helpline, and on-site support for Student Support Directors and staff.

We have made solid progress in the last few months. The pilot steering committee meets regularly, service providers are under contract and actively serving students, the assistive technology library is up and running, and the 504 database is moving toward its beta launch. This week, the Orleans Parish School Board received the first read of Policy EH, which formally establishes the ESA in district policy. This step protects charter school autonomy while giving the ESA a clear home in our system.

Looking ahead, the Board will take a second read and vote on the policy later this spring. The Advisory Board launches soon, Year 2 planning is underway, and we expect more schools and expanded services in the 2026-27 school year.

This is voluntary for every school, and charter autonomy stays fully intact. We are building something that works for our families and students without adding bureaucracy.

Together we are making sure every student gets the services they need to grow, achieve, and thrive.

Community Finance Meeting Recap: Our 2026-27 Budget Process

ICYMI, NOLA Public Schools' CFO hosted three finance community meetings, this week, to walk through how we're building the budget for the next school year. This is part of our commitment to being transparent and keeping you in the loop every step of the way.

Our budget, guided by the NOLA-PS strategic plan of action, focuses on our commitments of Effective & Connected Communication, High Quality Schools, Student Well-being, and Operational Excellence - ensuring every dollar works for our students, schools, and families. 

You will be able to review the full proposed budget after May 20th on our website at nolapublicschools.com/community/district-financials or pick up a copy at our central office (2401 Westbend Parkway).

To watch a recording of our finance community meeting, click the image below.

LEAP Testing Season: Tips for Families

LEAP testing will take place through May 15th, and NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) would like to thank our educators for doing an outstanding job preparing our students for the LEAP tests.

Teachers are continuously reviewing key skills, practicing strategies, and helping our students build real confidence. In turn, we know our students are stepping up and mastering the academic skills they need to be successful.

During test days, our families’ support at home is so important. So, here are a few simple tips families can follow to help their children feel ready and at their best.

• Make sure your child gets a good night's sleep the evening before testing.
• Start the day with a nutritious breakfast.
• Offer lots of encouragement.
• Remind them how proud you are and that it's okay to take their time and do their best.
• Keep the morning calm and plan to arrive at school with plenty of time.
• A relaxed start sets them up for success.

Thank you to our school family for partnering with us during this important season.

Preparing for Louisiana’s Grow. Achieve. Thrive. Accountability System

The state's new school accountability system, Grow. Achieve. Thrive., launches this fall. The framework keeps the familiar four measures and A–F letter grades, yet it deliberately raises the bar so every student graduates truly ready for college, career, and life.

Key changes include:

• Achieve (Proficiency): Credit now requires Mastery or above in core subjects.
• Grow (Growth): Schools must hit absolute progress targets. Mastery and Advanced students must keep advancing, and growth for the lowest 25 percent in ELA and math now counts double.
• Graduation: Remains unchanged.
• Thrive (Readiness): Basic diplomas no longer earn points in high school. Points now reward real postsecondary indicators such as dual enrollment credits, ACT 20 or higher, high-value industry credentials, qualifying AP/IB scores, strong career pathways, or military commitments.

Because the standards are tougher, some schools may see lower scores this fall even if students and educators continue their strong work. This is not a decline in performance; it is proof that the system now holds us to a more rigorous standard.

We have already proven we can lead the nation in post-COVID recovery. With continued partnership, our educators, leaders, students, families, and community will meet and exceed this new bar.

To learn more about the state’s new letter-grade system, click here.

Strategic Plan of Action Spotlight

Student Highlights

Bricolage Academy Speech & Debate Team Shines Again!

Congratulations to the Bricolage Academy Speech & Debate Team for their outstanding performance!

Special shoutout to Caidyn Brown, who earned 1st Place Overall in Presentation at the competition!



Your hard work, confidence, and excellence on stage make us incredibly proud. Keep setting the standard!

Abramson Commodores Celebrate Two New Gates Scholars

Big congratulations to Kendrick McKnight Jr. and Jerome Dykes III on earning the prestigious Gates Scholarship!

This highly competitive, full-cost scholarship for a master’s degree was awarded to only 750 students out of 61,000 applicants nationwide (just 1.2% acceptance rate).

Their academic excellence, service, and leadership truly shine. We are incredibly proud and can’t wait to see all that you accomplish!

McMain Girls 4x800m Relay Crowned LHSCA Meet of Champions Champs

Congratulations to the McMain Track & Field girls 4x800m Relay team on becoming LHSCA Meet of Champions Champions!

What a fantastic way to close out the regular season. We’re proud of your hard work and excellence on the track!

We are wishing the team much success in the upcoming District competition!