What is the Unification of public schools in Orleans Parish?
Over the past decade, significant changes have occurred across the New Orleans public education landscape. Today, a system of diverse and autonomous public schools are rising to the challenge of serving all of New Orleans’ students and families. As a system of schools focused on parental choice and school accountability, we have forged new pathways to ensure equitable enrollment of students, address expulsions and protect student rights, and to provide additional resources and settings to support the individual needs of all students. On May 10, 2016, the La. Legislature adopted Senate Bill 432, sponsored by Senator Karen Carter Peterson, with co-sponsorship from Representative Walt Leger and most members of the Orleans legislative delegation. On May 12, 2016, Governor John Bel Edwards signed SB 432 into law, which is now Act 91. Act 91 provides for the unification of public schools in Orleans Parish under oversight by the Orleans Parish School Board and its Superintendent, which will occur by July 1st, 2018.
Unification Advisory Committee
Act 91 also calls for the development of a Unification Advisory Committee to assist in the transition plan development process. The Unification Advisory Committee is comprised of representatives of charter operators and key education advocacy organizations. Those members are:
The transition plan for unifying public schools in Orleans Parish was initiated with four (4) Unification Advisory Committee meetings between June 1- August 25, 2016. Upcoming UAC meetings to present the milestones outlined in the unification plan are scheduled below. All meetings are open to the public.
Unification Advisory Committee Meetings (Implementation Phase):
Share Your Thoughts
If you have additional comments or suggestions related to the unification of public schools in New Orleans, we encourage you to email us at unification@opsb.us or contact us via one of the options.
o: 504-304-3559 c: 504-256-2774 f: 504-379-3559
vpham@opsb.us
