Job Announcement: Superintendent of New Orleans Public Schools (NOLA-PS)

Location: New Orleans, LA

Salary Range: $275,000 - $315,000 (based on experience)

 

About Our District

Our district serves approximately 44,000 students across more than 64 charter schools and one direct-run school. Recognized for its unique governance model and strong community ties, New Orleans Public Schools (NOLA-PS) is committed to fostering educational environments that reflect the city's rich cultural heritage, vibrancy, and diversity. With a focus on improving educational outcomes and ensuring equity, NOLA-PS aims to lead in public education reform.

 

Charter schools operate under the authority of NOLA-PS, with autonomy granted by the state legislature, Board policy, and their charter management agreements. NOLA-PS is responsible for holding charter management organizations accountable to the standards set by the state and the elected school board members. To evaluate charter operators’ success and their continued management, NOLA-PS uses the Charter School Accountability Formula (CSAF) as the guiding criteria.

Position Description

The Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) is accepting applications for a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as the Superintendent of NOLA-PS. This individual will lead NOLA-PS in its mission to provide an equitable and high-quality education to every student in New Orleans, while addressing disparities and fostering excellence in all areas of academic achievement. The Superintendent must demonstrate a deep commitment to ensuring that all students, particularly those from historically underserved communities, have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

 

NOLA-PS is a unique and diverse school district that has undergone significant transformation in the past two decades. The Superintendent carries out administrative functions by following the policies adopted by the Board; executes all decisions made by the Board concerning the operation of the school system; and serves as the executive officer of the school district and secretary to the Board. The seven-member Board, the Superintendent, and the central office staff are responsible for setting student, program, and operational performance standards.

 

As the nation’s first district-wide charter school system, the district offers a blend of charter schools, each with varying levels of autonomy, and a direct-run school. NOLA-PS serves as an authorizer for public charter schools operating in Orleans Parish.  The Superintendent is responsible for setting and implementing the CSAF that fosters student achievement while respecting each charter organization’s school-based decision-making autonomy. The Superintendent is also responsible for academic and organizational performance at district-run schools. This role is an extraordinary opportunity to lead a vibrant, diverse, and resilient school district in one of the most culturally rich cities in the United States.

 

The Superintendent shall be asked to set a vision and implement the priorities set by the Board as seen in its vision statement, NOLA-PS Evolve Strategic Plan, Five-Year Portfolio Plan, and Portrait of a Graduate. The individual selected as Superintendent must master the operational aspects of managing the NOLA-PS central office, authorize and hold accountable charter organizations for the administration of schools, directly running schools, and engaging the community in sharing the responsibility for achieving our aspirational goals and objectives.  We are seeking a superintendent with remarkable skills and experiences for our unique portfolio of schools, who will deliver on our promise to create great citizens.

 

As required by law, NOLA Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law.

 

Applications may be subject to release under the Louisiana Public Records Act, La. R.S. 44:1, et seq.

Candidate Profile

The Board is seeking a superintendent who has demonstrated success in improving achievement of students in a school system that serves a diverse population of students, many of whom come from historically disadvantaged communities. Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate the ability to work in a dynamic school system that could include a variety of public-school models including but not limited charter schools, selective admissions schools, traditional district-operated schools, and more.

 

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualities and values:

1. Be a visionary leader and team builder with the management style and interpersonal skills to build, motivate, and maintain a highly effective executive staff who can set clear expectations and delegate authority but remains knowledgeable and accountable for the district’s overall progress
2. Ability to be collaborative, transparent, and communicative, fostering partnerships with the OPSB, charter school operators and board members, school administrators, students, families, advocates and other stakeholders to set the direction of the district and build a climate of transparency, trust, mutual respect, and cooperation
3. Ability to listen actively and be responsive to the needs and concerns of the community.
4. Proficiency in analyzing and interpreting data related to student achievement, operational effectiveness, and resource allocation to drive improvements across the district
5. Proven track record of addressing systemic inequities and a deep commitment to improving educational opportunities for all students, especially those from underserved communities
6. Forward-thinking leader with a clear vision for the future of education in New Orleans, capable of aligning district-wide goals with the community’s needs and values
7. Understands the importance of building strong relationships with OPSB, charter school operators and board members, school administrators, students, families, advocates and other stakeholders to build a climate of transparency, trust, mutual respect, and cooperation
8. Knowledge of best practices in teaching and learning, with a focus on supporting educators to provide high-quality, student-centered instruction

9. Proven track record of advocacy for inclusive practices and policies addressing systemic inequities and a deep commitment to improving educational opportunities for all students, especially those from under-served communities

1. Ability to articulate and implement a long-term strategy that drives academic excellence, innovation, and growth within the district

 

The successful candidate should possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

1. The desire and ability to be a visible and vocal advocate for NOLA-PS’ schools, staff and students with elected officials, community leaders, residents, and other stakeholders
2. Experience in managing budgets and resources to ensure fiscal responsibility while maximizing educational outcomes for all students
3. Strong advocacy for policies that promote equity in access to education and the dismantling of systemic barriers to student success
4. Highly effective communication skills, including a demonstrated commitment to engaging regularly in two-way communication with internal and external stakeholders by actively seeking varied perspectives and pursuing ongoing engagement
5. Ethical nature and strength of character to make and take responsibility for difficult decisions that are in the best interest of all students and the district
6. Proven experience in leading through challenges, such as natural disasters or systemic changes, with an ability to maintain stability and focus on student success

 

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s and master’s degrees
2. At least five years of leadership experience in education, including experience in senior administrative or superintendent-level roles
3. Experience as a leader in an urban district or a district of similar size, scope, and demographics, with a focus on academic improvement and equity
4. Demonstrated leadership experience supported by measurable accomplishments that reflect growing levels of achievement for all students
5. Knowledge of district governance, finance, and strategic planning.
6. Demonstrated ability to manage complex relationships within a large, decentralized system
7. Demonstrated understanding of, experience with, and support for charter schools
8. Familiarity with the unique cultural, political, and historical aspects of New Orleans community and its school district
9. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements in BESE Bulletin 746 and La. R.S. 17:54(B)(2)(a)

Preferred Qualifications

1. Doctoral degree in the field of education
2. Experience as a superintendent
3. Experience as a teacher and building-level leader/or district administrator with evidence of effective instructional leadership
4. Experience as a charter school leader or administrator with evidence of effective leadership supported by measurable accomplishments in school operations and student success
5. Experience in a district or organization with a similar charter-district hybrid structure.
6. Innovative leadership skills with experience serving in a large, complex organization with five (5) or more years of experience as an executive-level leader (experience serving PreK-12 education systems desired)

Salary Range

The position is a full-time, 12-month administrative position with an excellent benefits package.  The Board has approved a salary range of $275,000-$310,000 (depending on experience), plus benefits.

Application Instructions

Please provide: (1) a cover letter and CV addressing the candidate’s qualifications and vision for leading OPSB; (2) a list of five professional references; and (3) one example of either a strategic plan, a community engagement initiative, or resource acquisition effort you led and highlight metrics or outcomes achieved under your leadership.  Submission of application materials as PDF attachments (rather than hard copy) is strongly encouraged.  The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time on March 16, 2025.  Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.

 

The cover letter and CV should include the following information:

1. Professional and Leadership Experience:
1. Educational qualifications and certifications
2. Employment history, focusing on leadership roles in education, government, or nonprofit sectors
3. Key Leadership Roles and Responsibilities
4. Notable Achievements
2. Vision and Leadership Philosophy Statement related to supporting schools and holding them accountability in our unique system

 

All applications and any questions should be directed to superintendentsearch@nolapublicschools.com.

Superintendent Search Process

1. The Orleans Parish School Board shall advertise for the position of Superintendent for a minimum of thirty days.
2. All publication requirements shall be completed at least 30 days prior to action by the Board to fill the position of Superintendent.
3. Potential candidates shall apply directly to the Orleans Parish School Board via email by 11:59 p.m. CST on March 16, 2025.
4. An informational webpage about the search will available at: www.nolapublicschools.com/suptsearch  that will include, at minimum, the advertisement and the ability for members of the public to provide input about the search.
5. After the application deadline, the Orleans Parish School Board will meet to review applications and nominate candidates to invite for interviews. *
6. Selected candidates will interview with the Orleans Parish School Board, which may be conducted partially in Executive Session. The Orleans Parish School Board selects the next Superintendent at a Board Meeting. * 

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

Superintendent Search Timeline

1. January 22, 2025 – Open survey for community input
2. January 29, 2025 – Public hearing to receive community input
3. January 30, 2025 – Board work session to develop and approve job announcement and search plan
4. No later than February 12, 2025 - Begin to advertise for position
5. March 16, 2025, at 11:59 pm CST – Application deadline; close survey
6. March 20, 2025 - Board Business Meeting to select semi-finalists*
7. March 25, 2025 – Special Board Meeting to conduct first round interviews and selection of finalists
8. March 31-April1, 2025 – Public engagement event(s) with finalists
9. April 2, 2025 – Special Board Meeting to conduct final round interviews and election of superintendent
10. April 17, 2025 – Board Business Meeting to approve contract for new superintendent*

 

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

Provide Input

The Orleans Parish School Board welcomes feedback from all constituents about the superintendent search.   Please fill out the brief survey below or send feedback via email to superintendentsearch@nolapublicschools.com.