(New Orleans – Jan 22, 2026) — NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) hosted its annual State of the District Address yesterday, highlighting unprecedented achievements, strategic advancements, and a unified commitment to elevating education for every child in Orleans Parish. Under the theme: Our Plan. Our Performance. Our Portfolio. Our People. Our Path Forward, Superintendent Dr. Fateama Fulmore delivered an inspiring overview of the district's progress, joined by key leaders including Dana Peterson from New Schools for New Orleans (NSNO) and Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) President Katie Baudouin.
The event, powered by NSNO and Education Reform Now, drew school board members, educators, community partners, elected officials, and families, with live streams on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Attendees celebrated NOLA-PS's historic "B" letter grade from the Louisiana Department of Education, the highest rating since unification under the current accountability system. The district's performance score rose to 76.2, marking a 2.2-point increase in just one year and a 9.6-point climb since 2022.
"This 'B' represents the dedication of our educators, staff, and leaders, the brilliance of our students, and the unwavering commitment of families who trust us every day," said Dr. Fulmore. "Our progress is both promising and inspiring. This is the work that moves the needle for children furthest from opportunity. Our excitement is not complacency; it's motivation to keep rising to the top.
Thank you to everyone who supports and invests in our schools and in the future of our children. Together, we are building something extraordinary."
Dr. Fulmore also spotlighted key elements of the district's strategic plan, NOLA-PS Evolve, which guides efforts through 2028. To see video of her full remarks and the entire event, click here.
Dana Peterson, CEO of NSNO, emphasized New Orleans' national leadership in education reform. Citing a recent Stanford and Harvard study, Peterson noted the city ranked second in English Language Arts improvement and eighth in math from 2019 to 2024, one of only two cities in the top 10 for both. "New Orleans is outpacing the state, in a state that is outpacing the country," Peterson said.
Peterson attributed successes to hard work, effective use of rescue funds, and a foundational framework prioritizing educator flexibility, accountability for outcomes, family choice, and equity.
In her remarks, OPSB President Katie Baudouin marked the event as her final public act in the role, reflecting on two years of deepened connections with schools. "This milestone represents years of commitment from students, educators, parents, and our entire community," said Baudouin. "We're proud of the progress under Dr. Fulmore's leadership and remain committed to child-centered decisions that raise standards and expectations."
The address also recognized January as School Board Appreciation Month, honoring elected and charter board members for their volunteer service in policy-setting, budgeting, and ensuring high-quality education access.
As NOLA-PS looks ahead, the district remains focused on its strategic plan to sustain momentum and address remaining challenges. "We're not done yet. We have more to do," Dr. Fulmore concluded. "With our plan in action, we're building a brighter path for every child in every zip code that will lead us to becoming a destination for education in New Orleans and a national model of excellence."
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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.