NOLA-PS Strategic Plan of Action Approved by School Board

(New Orleans – September 21, 2023) — NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) is excited to announce the district's Strategic Plan of Action titled, NOLA-PS Evolve, was unanimously approved by the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB).

"This plan memorializes the commitment from NOLA Public Schools to embark on a transformational journey to ensure educational excellence. We are dedicated to providing every student with an exceptional education that empowers them to reach their full potential so that they are prepared to thrive in our ever-changing world," said Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams. "I am incredibly optimistic about what we can accomplish together with Equity, Achievement, Transparency, Efficiency and Transformation as our guiding principles. I look forward to the journey and invite the New Orleans community to join us as we shape the future of education in our community."

The comprehensive five-year strategic plan marks a new era of progress and innovation, underlining a steadfast commitment to improving education for our scholars, supporting families, and strengthening community engagement.

NOLA-PS Evolve builds upon the existing 2021-2025 strategic plan, with a renewed focus on continuity, expansion, and enhancement. Through this plan, our school system is dedicated to transforming the educational landscape through a comprehensive set of goals and the following four key commitments:

1. Effective and Connected Communications: Our aim is to be clear, consistent, and transparent; and center the voices of scholars, families, educators, and community stakeholders
2. High-Quality Schools: NOLA-PS is dedicated to prioritizing portfolio strategy, early learner support, and literacy. The plan emphasizes support for diverse learners and aims to develop a five-year goal plan by 2028. It also includes the implementation of a charter school accountability framework.
3. Students, Staff, and Community Wellbeing: Mental health and trauma initiatives will be launched to support students. Additionally, monitoring student attendance and engagement campaigns, ensuring safe and welcoming schools, and increasing stakeholder participation and support for diverse learners are key components of this commitment.
4. Operational Excellence: NOLA-PS is committed to improving facilities and surplus property utilization, enhancing employee engagement and culture, aligning budgets with the strategic plan, and implementing a data dashboard for informed decisions. The organization will also assess its organizational structure for efficiency.

Key initiatives within the NOLA-PS Evolve plan include establishing a "Portrait of a Graduate" to guide student development, launching the NOLA-PS CAREs program to provide community access to resources and equity, introducing "The Hub" as a one-stop shop for wraparound services, and promoting mental health and resilience through the "Mental Minute Campaign."

The NOLA-PS Evolve strategic plan is designed to be a dynamic document that can adapt to changing circumstances and needs. The organization is committed to agility and responsiveness in implementing its initiatives, and it values community feedback and engagement to ensure alignment with stakeholders' needs.

NOLA-PS extends its heartfelt appreciation for the community's time and involvement in efforts to improve education via engagement and support informing the NOLA-PS Evolve.

For more information, visit www.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 67 public schools and is led by Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams, the first woman in the District's 181 years to serve as its permanent superintendent.

For more information, visit www.nolapublicschools.com. For updates, follow NOLA Public Schools on Facebook @NOLAPublicSchools, Instagram @nolaps, and X @NOLAPSchools.