OPSB Announces Semifinalists in NOLA-PS Superintendent Search

Bios Included.

(New Orleans – March 21, 2025) — The Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) named three semifinalists for the Superintendent position of NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) during its regular board business meeting this evening.

The semifinalists are:

Dr. Sharon Latten-Clark:

Dr. Clark is a distinguished educator with more than 25 years of experience in public education. Currently the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) District 2 Representative and Charter Director of Sophie B. Wright High School in New Orleans. Dr. Clark currently serves on the Executive Committee for the Louisiana High School Athletic Association. Dr. Clark has dedicated her career to fostering academic excellence and opportunity. Her journey began as a para-educator and English teacher in the Houston Independent School District, followed by a return to her roots to teach English at Frederick Douglass High School. She later served as an Assistant Principal in Phoenix, Arizona, before coming back to New Orleans in 2001 to lead Sophie B. Wright Charter School. Under her leadership, particularly before and after Hurricane Katrina, Dr. Clark transformed the school into a high-performing, open-enrollment institution.

A proud graduate of Xavier Prep High School, Dr. Clark holds a bachelor's and master's degree from Xavier University of New Orleans and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of New Orleans. Her extensive experience and commitment to education makes her a passionate advocate for students and families.

Dr. Fateama S. Fulmore:

Dr. Fateama Fulmore is currently the interim superintendent of NOLA Public Schools and most recently deputy superintendent for the district. She is a dynamic, accomplished, and visionary educational leader with more than 20 years in PK-12 education. She has a proven track record of improving student outcomes and educational systems, achieving district goals, providing supportive environments for students and staff, and fostering collaboration with stakeholders.

Dr. Fulmore is a champion for children and has amassed a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise serving in urban school districts across the country. Throughout her career, Dr. Fulmore has educated and led in school districts with direct-run schools and charter schools serving as a middle school and high school business education teacher, middle and high school assistant principal, high school principal, executive director of high schools, assistant superintendent fellow, principal supervisor of schools, and chief of accountability and school improvement.

A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Dr. Fulmore overcame poverty, trauma and adversity. She is a product of public schools and a first-generation college student. Dr. Fulmore holds a B.S. from Appalachian State University, an M.A. from Gardner-Webb University, an Ed.S. from Grand Canyon University, and an Ed.D. from Gwynedd Mercy University. She is a licensed Louisiana superintendent, was recognized for Excellence in Authorizing by the LDOE and completed the Michael Casserly Urban Executive Leadership Institute for Superintendents.

A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and the New Orleans Chapter of the Links Incorporated, she is committed to mentoring and serving her community.

Dr. Dedrick Sims:

Dr. Dedrick Sims is a respected educator, leader, and advocate committed to transforming education for young men of color. As CEO of the Sims-Fayola Foundation, he has led efforts that have impacted over 17,000 young men and supported 6,000 youth service professionals nationwide. His work focuses on equity-driven education, systemic change, and breaking institutional barriers.

Dr. Sims began his career as a substitute teacher and has since served as a teacher, school leader, district administrator, and school founder. He has extensive experience in charter school leadership, development, and accountability. His expertise in single-gender learning, mentorship, and educational equity has made him a sought-after speaker and trainer, equipping educators with strategies to foster student success.

An accomplished author, he wrote Hardwired by Nature: What We As Educators Underestimate About Our Minority Students, The Dedrick Sims Reader, Hey Man, We Just Talkin' and is currently developing The Sims Framework: Reimagining Education for Equity and All Things Boys: A Reader's Digest.

Dr. Sims has received numerous honors, including Black Enterprise 100 Modern Men in 2018, and recently being named the 2024 Inspire Change Changemaker by the Denver Broncos. A proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., he remains dedicated to advancing education, advocacy, and social justice.

The semifinalists were chosen following a thorough review of applications and nominations, with the board extending invitations for interviews.

"We are excited to learn more about these outstanding semifinalists, each bringing a rich blend of experience and a profound dedication to education," said OPSB President Katie Baudouin. "This marks a crucial turning point for NOLA Public Schools, and we are confident that this selection process will guide us to a leader who will inspire and advance our district. We deeply appreciate all the applicants for stepping forward to serve."

The next steps in selecting the finalist and appointing the new superintendent are as follows:

●March 25, 2025 – Special Board Meeting to conduct first round interviews and selection of finalists

●March 31 - April 1, 2025 – Public engagement event(s) with finalists

●April 2, 2025 – Special Board Meeting to conduct final round interviews and election of superintendent

●April 17, 2025 – Board Business Meeting to approve contract for new superintendent*

OPSB invites the community to stay engaged in this important process by attending upcoming board meetings and public engagement events in person or watching the livestream on our social media platforms and YouTube channel. Your voice matters as we shape the future of NOLA Public Schools!

*The Board reserves the right at any time to stop the process and appoint a Superintendent.

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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 Interim 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.