NOLA Public Schools Announces the Reopening of Affected Schools on Case-by-Case Basis Following Lift of Boil Water Advisory
(New Orleans – February 24, 2026) — The health and safety of our students, staff, and families remains our top priority. NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) will reopen schools previously closed due to the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans' (SWBNO) precautionary boil water advisory on a case-by-case basis, contingent upon confirmation of adequate water pressure at each individual school site.
The SWBNO has officially lifted the boil water advisory this afternoon following successful isolation and repair of the water main break near S Claiborne Ave and Toledano St, restoration of water service, and confirmation of water quality through testing showing no contamination. The advisory, which lasted just over 24 hours, no longer requires boiling tap water, and safe drinking water is available.
While the boil water advisory has been canceled, some areas including potentially certain school locations, may continue to experience lower-than-normal or variable water pressures as final repairs are completed, and the system fully stabilizes. Reliable water pressure is essential for safe school operations, including the use of drinking fountains, restrooms, handwashing stations, and other essential systems.
The following schools, which were closed, will assess conditions onsite today and proceed with reopening on Wednesday, February 25 only if adequate water pressure is confirmed. School leaders are working closely with their facilities teams to evaluate each site. Families are strongly encouraged to contact their child's school directly or visit their digital platforms for the most up-to-date information on their school's reopening status.
Affected schools include:
- 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)
NOLA-PS appreciates the patience and understanding of our families, staff, and community partners during this emergency infrastructure event. We'd like to thank SWBNO, the Louisiana Department of Health, and all involved for their rapid response and collaboration to ensure public safety. Additional updates will be shared as needed; please visit www.nolapublicschools.com or follow us on social media for the latest information.
###
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.
