(New Orleans – May 20, 2021) — Today, the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) gave the go-ahead to NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) and the non-profit 9th Ward Stadium Inc. to partner on the construction of a new athletic facility in the 9th Ward.
Under the approved cooperative endeavor agreement (CEA), funding for the project will be provided by 9th Ward Stadium Inc., a non-profit all volunteer group spearheaded by Arnie Fielkow, a former New Orleans City Councilman and board president of 9th Ward Stadium Inc. As the fundraising arm of the project, the organization must raise no less than $4.5 million dollars by June 30, 2022 for the construction of a football stadium and athletic facility. If the fundraising goal and the timeline deadline are met, 9th Ward Stadium Inc. will donate the funds to NOLA-PS to build the facility. If the terms of the agreement are not met, all funds will be returned to donors and the project will not move forward.
NOLA-PS will provide the land for the site of the football stadium and athletic facility at 4300 Almonaster Blvd. and solely use the funds to build the facility as defined by NOLA-PS' procurement policies, which include disadvantaged business enterprise provisions. In addition, NOLA-PS is committed to including community engagement opportunities during the construction and remaining design process of the stadium and facility. Through a competitive proposal process, NOLA-PS will seek a third party to provide the ongoing management of the athletic facility, schedule its use, and maintain its upkeep. The complex will be owned by the OPSB and all public schools will be able to use the facility.
"This project sits in my district, and it's a wonderful opportunity for the Desire Florida community. They're just so happy to hear about the agreement and are looking forward to seeing this project come to fruition," said OPSB Board President Ethan Ashley.
"This is such an important, exciting project that's really needed in this city, especially in the 9th ward," said OPSB board member and chair of the property committee Katie Baudouin. "I'm really looking forward to opening day and having that beautiful facility there for our students who deserve to have the best. I encourage all my colleagues and the public to stay engaged in this valuable investment in our students."
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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 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.