OPSB Issues Comment, Next Steps regarding Upcoming Resignation of Board Member Ben Kleban

NEW ORLEANS – (March 6, 2020) – Today, Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) District 5 member Ben Kleban announced his intent to resign from the board effective June 15, 2020. Citing a growing family and extended family needs, Kleban and his family will be moving away from New Orleans over the summer.

“I respect and support School Board member Kleban’s resignation for family reasons,” said OPSB President Ethan Ashley. “I fully expect him to continue honoring his commitment to serve his district and our students well, until his departure. The School Board will be following board policy to ensure that we fill the vacancy.”

“Ben has been a valued and impactful member of our board,” said NOLA-PS Superintendent of Schools Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. “His tenure is one marked with dedication to serving the best interests of our students and families and we are very appreciative of his service to the community. We wish the Kleban family the best as they embark on this next journey in their lives.”

Board policy under such circumstance is for the board to consider all candidates and appoint a qualified individual to serve in an interim capacity for the remaining tenure of the open seat. Upon his resignation in June, there will be six months left in Kleban’s tenure.

“I truly love New Orleans and its people with all my heart and soul, and it has been a great privilege to be a public servant for this community,” Kleban said in a letter to his constituents announcing his resignation.

Kleban has served on the Orleans Parish School Board since January of 2017 and is the current Policy Chairman on the board.