NOLA-PS Launches Public Engagement Process for Proposed Renaming of Dr. Milton J. Becnel School Facility
(New Orleans – May 18, 2026) — In alignment with Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) Policy FDC, NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) has initiated a formal public engagement process to consider the proposed renaming of the school facility currently occupied by Livingston Collegiate Academy, which is presently named in honor of Dr. Milton J. Becnel. The Livingston Collegiate Academy school program will not be renamed as part of this process.
The OPSB believes that all school facilities should be welcoming, inclusive, and inspiring places for all students. As part of this commitment, facility naming decisions are guided by a structured process that prioritizes transparency, historical consideration, and meaningful community input.
A formal request has been submitted to rename the Dr. Milton J. Becnel facility as Sarah T. Reed High School. This honors Sarah T. Reed, a historically significant figure in New Orleans whose legacy has had a lasting impact on education and the broader community.
In accordance with Board policy, this proposal will be considered alongside any additional names submitted by the public during the engagement period. The committee will review all submissions and feedback received and may advance one or more names as part of its recommendation.
Public Input Process
NOLA-PS invites students, families, alumni, staff, and community members to participate in the naming process by submitting proposed names and feedback for consideration. The public submission period will remain open for no fewer than 45 days from the date of this announcement. All submissions must include a rationale. Submissions proposing to honor an individual should also include a brief biography and supporting information demonstrating alignment with Board policy criteria.
Submission Methods
Submissions may be made via any method below.
- Email: facilities@nolapublicschools.com
- Online: Visit the NOLA Public Schools website at nolapublicschools.com for the facility naming submission form.
- U.S. Mail: Facility Renaming – NOLA Public Schools, 2401 Westbend Parkway, Suite 5058, New Orleans, LA 70114
To ensure full access for all community members, the online submission form will remain open through 4:00 PM Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
Public Meetings
The Facility Renaming Committee will host two public meetings to gather feedback and provide additional opportunities for community engagement:
- Virtual Meeting: July 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM, https://zoom.us/j/98673489295
- In-Person Meeting: July 7, 2026 at 6:00 PM, Livingston Collegiate Academy - 7301 Dwyer Rd, New Orleans, LA 70126
These meetings will include an overview of the renaming process, information on the submitted proposal, and the opportunity for public comment.
Next Steps
Following the close of the public input period, the Facility Renaming Committee will review all submissions and feedback received. In accordance with Policy FDC, the committee will forward up to three recommended names to the Superintendent for consideration. The Superintendent will then make a recommendation to the OPSB, which retains final authority for approval of all facility names.
NOLA Public Schools encourages broad community participation to help ensure that the selected facility name reflects the shared values, history, and aspirations of the New Orleans community.
For more information, please visit nolapublicschools.com.
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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.
