NOLA Public Schools Announces Extended School Closures Due to Water Main Break and Boil Water Advisory
(New Orleans – February 23, 2026) — The health and safety of our students, staff, and families remains our top priority. To that end, NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) is recommending the closure of several schools for tomorrow, Tuesday, February 24th, affected by today's significant 30-inch water main break near South Claiborne Avenue and Toledano Street (with impacts at the intersection of Louisiana Avenue).
This incident caused flooding, severely reduced or no water pressure, and prompted the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO), in consultation with the Louisiana Department of Health, to issue a precautionary boil water advisory for a large portion of New Orleans that includes Uptown, Mid-City, the French Quarter, and the Central Business District.
Due to the continued significant drop in water pressure and the ongoing boil water advisory, the following schools will remain closed on Tuesday, February 24, 2026:
- Audubon Uptown
- Ben Franklin Elementary PK–5
- Ben Franklin Elementary 6th–8th
- Booker T. Washington High School
- Eleanor McMain Secondary School
- KIPP Central City Primary
- KIPP Central City Academy
- Mahalia Jackson Elementary School
- Walter L. Cohen High School
- ReNEW Laurel Elementary
- ReNEW Early Childhood Program
- Samuel J. Green Charter School
- Sophie B. Wright Charter School
- The Leah Chase School
- The Willow School (all campuses)
Schools are not able to safely operate without reliable water pressure and access to safe drinking water, including for restrooms and other essential systems.
SWBNO crews remain onsite, working to isolate and repair the break. Water service has been shut off in affected areas to stop flooding, with restoration efforts ongoing. Officials hope to restore service soon, though the boil water advisory is expected to remain in effect pending water quality testing and clearance.
NOLA Public Schools will continue to closely monitor the situation and remain in direct communication with city officials regarding restoration efforts and guidance for safe reopening. Families and staff will receive updates as additional information becomes available; please check directly with your child's school for the most up to date information.
We sincerely thank our families, staff, and community partners for their continued patience and understanding as we work through this emergency infrastructure issue to ensure the health and safety of our school communities.
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About NOLA Public Schools: NOLA Public Schools is the public school district for Orleans Parish. It includes the district's administration and elected school board, known as the Orleans Parish School Board. NOLA Public Schools currently oversees 66 public schools and is led by Superintendent Dr. Fateama S. Fulmore.
For more information, visit www.nolapublicschools.com. For updates, follow NOLA Public Schools on Facebook @NOLAPublicSchools, Instagram @nolaps and Twitter @NOLAPSchools.
