Orleans Parish School Board Announces Departure of Superintendent

(New Orleans - November 14, 2024) The Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) announced the departure of Dr. Avis Williams, Superintendent of Schools, effective December 1, 2024. Dr. Williams has served as NOLA Public Schools' (NOLA-PS) chief executive since July 2022.

"Dr. Williams brought new energy and enthusiasm to NOLA-PS, and our schools' improved performance reflects her unwavering commitment to excellence. On behalf of the OPSB, we are deeply grateful to Dr. Williams for showing up for our schools, students, educators and the broader community," said OPSB President Katie Baudouin.

Under Dr. Williams' leadership the district improved academic outcomes, as evidenced by increased school performance scores of over three points. The district saw 81% of schools earning a progress grade of A or B and witnessed increased School Performance Scores across 50 schools. Further, NOLA-PS was recognized as one of the top two districts in the state for Mastery growth on state assessments in the last two years by the Louisiana Department of Education.

Through community engagement, Dr. Williams developed robust partnerships. Notably, the district's partnerships with Children's Hospital New Orleans and the $10M investment from the City of New Orleans have brought Thrive Kids mental health resources to our schools. This has provided thousands of NOLA-PS scholars and families with access to mental health counseling and wrap-around services. The district's collaboration with the University of New Orleans now offers guaranteed admission for eligible high school seniors with automatic consideration for academic scholarships. Through partnerships with TNTP and TFA, 83 new teachers were placed in the 23-24 school year, which helped to ensure NOLA-PS scholars had effective teachers.

During her tenure, the OPSB approved NOLA-PS Evolve, a five-year strategic plan of action, giving the district a roadmap for future success. Also, the Five-Year Portfolio Plan will help guide decisions regarding the district's needs through the lens of quality, quantity, choice, and variety. Dr. Williams was instrumental in successfully launching a 20-year millage renewal valued at over $420M to support long-term infrastructure funding ensuring scholars have innovative and safe learning spaces.

Opening The Leah Chase School, the first, new, permanent district-run school in nearly two decades, was a long-anticipated milestone. Under her leadership, the school opened in August 2024 with over 300 students in grades K-5.

OPSB appointed Dr. Williams in April 2022 following a national superintendent search. As one of three finalists, she participated in a public interview and attended multiple community meetings. Her dedication to public education and community quickly became evident to board members and members of the public. She established several innovative platforms to connect with the community, including her ABC Tours, monthly radio program Education Elevation, and Voices of Future Leaders podcast series.

"It has been an honor to serve the schools, students, and educators of New Orleans for the past two and a half years," said NOLA-PS Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams, "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 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.