OPSB and NOLA-PS Thank the New Orleans City Council for the Allocation of Funding Critical to Serving Our Most Vulnerable Public School Students

(New Orleans - February 3, 2022) -- The Orleans Parish School Board and NOLA Public Schools wish to express their gratitude and appreciation to the New Orleans City Council for their unanimous decision to provide $4.6 million in funding for aid for critical programs to serve our young learners.

The funding comes from the longstanding agreement with Harrah's Casino as a stipulation of their land lease with the City of New Orleans. NOLA-PS has used the Harrah's funds to support programming at the Travis Hill Schools, the Center for Resilience, and system-wide truancy prevention and attendance efforts for years. The students served by these investments have high needs. Parents and schools rely on these programs to assist in behavioral supports.

"The Orleans Parish School Board is extremely grateful for the leadership and support of the City Council on the issue discussed today in item M-22-82," OPSB President Olin Parker said. "We thank you for your partnership on this and many other items and are excited about the future."

"This funding is of critical importance to help our students who can most benefit from additional programming and support," NOLA-PS Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. said. "We know these programs make a significant difference in the lives of these students."

We remain committed to ensuring that we provide a safety net for our students. It is our intent to continue supporting the Office of Student Support and Attendance @ Mahalia Jackson Elementary, the Center for Resilience, Travis Hill Schools through the use of these funds, with this investment. A full suite of services for our youth requires coordination and cohesion. Together, we remain committed to working with the City of New Orleans, Office of Youth and Families, and stakeholders in pursuit of serving all our families.

### 

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 76 public schools and is led by Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr.

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