OPSB Appoints Dr. Fateama S. Fulmore as Interim Superintendent

(New Orleans – November 14, 2024) — During its regular board business meeting this evening, the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) announced the appointment of Dr. Fateama S. Fulmore as the Interim Superintendent for NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS). Dr. Fulmore, currently the Deputy Superintendent of NOLA-PS, has been selected for her extensive experience and profound commitment to educational excellence.

The appointment comes after Dr. Avis Williams stepped down from her role as Superintendent of the district this morning, stating: "It has been an honor to serve the schools, students, and educators of New Orleans for the past two and a half years. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together. As I transition from this role, I am confident that NOLA Public Schools will continue to build on this legacy of dedication and innovation."

Dr. Williams is excited about her next chapter which includes writing, consulting and continuing to lead through her core values: equity, excellence and joy.

About Dr. Fulmore:

Dr. Fateama Fulmore is an accomplished and visionary PK-12 school district leader with more than two decades of experience in education.

Dr. Fulmore has a proven track record of success as an educator and is an unwavering champion for children. Her career in education began as a middle school career and technical education (CTE) teacher in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, which serves more than 140,000 students. She's also served as a high school CTE teacher, middle and high school assistant principal, and high school principal all in North Carolina. Dr. Fulmore previously led as an executive director of high schools and assistant superintendent fellow in the School District of Philadelphia, the nation's eighth largest school district serving over 197,000 students in district operated and charter schools. As the executive director of high schools, Dr. Fulmore oversaw college and career academic programming for over 38,000 students across 54 high schools. As an Assistant Superintendent Fellow, she provided crucial support in the supervision of schools and principals across three learning networks, serving more than 20,000 PK-12 students in 34 schools. Most recently, she led as principal supervisor for elementary and secondary schools, and chief officer for strategy, schools, accountability, and school improvement for Omaha Public Schools, Nebraska's largest school district serving more than 52,000 students across 95 schools and programs.

A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Dr. Fulmore grew up in poverty and had a childhood filled with trauma and adversity. Dr. Fulmore is a proud product of Head Start, New York City Public Schools, and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in Charlotte, N.C. where she graduated high school. As a first generation college student, she credits her success to great leaders, committed teachers, and the power of an education to changing the trajectory of her life. Dr. Fulmore embodies the children she serves and has committed her career to being the educator and leader they deserve.

Educational and Leadership Qualifications:

• Academic Degrees:
  • B.S. in Business Administration from Appalachian State University
  • M.S. in School Administration from Gardner-Webb University
  • Ed.S. in K-12 Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University
  • Ed.D. in Leadership in PK-12 Schools and School Districts from Gwynedd Mercy University

• Certifications: Licensed as a superintendent by Louisiana Department of Education with previous credentials with the Nebraska Departments of Education and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

• Leadership Programs:
  • Michael Casserly Urban Executive Leadership Institute for Superintendents with the Council of Great City Schools
  • Participant in the Forum for Educational Leadership
  • Excellence in Authorizing Fellowship with the Louisiana Department of Education
  • Emerging Superintendents program with the Nebraska Council of School Administrators
  • Harvard University Institute for Turnaround Leaders

• Board and Advisory Committee Leadership:
  • Education Research Alliance (ERA-New Orleans), Board Member
  • New Orleans Early Education Network (NOEEN) Steering Committee
  • Youth Data Hub Steering Committee, Mayor's Office of Youth and Families (New Orleans)

Dr. Fulmore's leadership philosophy centers around children first, leading by example, excellence in education, and fostering collaboration and collective impact. Her ability to inspire and her strategic approach to leadership make her an ideal candidate for leading NOLA Public Schools during this interim period.

"On behalf of the board, we wholeheartedly endorse the appointment of Dr. Fateama Fulmore as the Interim Superintendent of NOLA-PS," stated OPSB President Katie Baudouin. "We are confident that her transition will be seamless and that together, we will maintain the momentum of our school district's ongoing efforts."

Community and Personal Life:

Dr. Fulmore is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and the New Orleans Chapter of the Links Incorporated. She is deeply committed to mentoring future educational leaders and giving back to her community. Her interests outside of education include reading, traveling, the arts, sports, and living life to the fullest with family and friends.

The NOLA Public Schools community is invited to join in welcoming Dr. Fulmore. Her vision for educational excellence promises a vibrant future for the district's students.

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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 67 public schools and is led by Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams, the first woman in the District's 181 years to serve as its permanent superintendent.

For more information, visit www.nolapublicschools.com. For updates, follow NOLA Public Schools on Facebook @NOLAPublicSchools, Instagram @nolaps and Twitter @NOLAPSchools.