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NOLA PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISTRICT PERFORMANCE SCORE SHOWS IMPROVEMENT
The District School Performance Score improved and nearly three out of four NOLA Public Schools received a progress index score of “A” or “B” .
NEW ORLEANS – (November 6, 2019) – Today, the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) released the 2019 School Performance Scores (SPS), revealing an increase in NOLA Public School’s district performance score. Additionally, 74 percent of NOLA Public Schools continued to receive a high letter grade for academic growth, of either “A” or “B”, for the 2018-2019 school year. These accomplishments result in the school system maintaining a “C” letter grade for performance overall.
"While there is work to be done and continued progress that must be made, these school performance results indicate our school system is growing stronger every year,” said NOLA Public Schools Superintendent of Schools Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. “The improvement in our district performance comes just after one year under local control and is a testament to the hard work of our local educators, and most importantly our students who are striving for success beyond high school graduation every day. I am also extremely proud of our local alternative schools that are ranked among the highest performing in the state this year under a new rating system which now helps draw attention to the growth and achievement of all our students citywide.”
The 2019 SPS results shared by the LDOE summarize the cumulative impact of our local schools and data released over the summer months, specifically showing:
| School | 2019 Letter Grade New Alternative Formula | 2019 SPS New Alternative Formula | 2019 State Rank | 2018 Letter Grade Traditional Formula | 2018 SPS Traditional Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The NET Charter High School | C | 70.5 | 2 | F | 29 |
| Youth Study Center | C | 69.9 | 4 | F | 24 |
| The NET 2 Charter High School | C | 63.7 | 7 | F | 22 |
| ReNEW Accelerated High School | C | 62 | 9 | F | 18.6 |
| 2019 NOLA Public Schools Top Gains Honorees | 2019 NOLA Public Schools Equity Honorees |
|---|---|
| Edward Hynes Charter School | Warren Easton Charter School |
| Esperanza Charter School | Edward Hynes Charter School |
| KIPP Renaissance | Abramson Sci Academy |
| Benjamin Franklin High School | Benjamin Franklin High School |
| Alice M. Harte Elementary Charter School | Alice M. Harte Elementary Charter School |
| Lusher Charter School | Edna Karr High School |
| Lake Forest Elementary Charter School | Lusher Charter School |
| McDonogh 42 | Lake Forest Elementary Charter School | Rosenwald Collegiate Academy | New Orleans Charter Science at Mathematics HS | Dwight D. Eisenhower Charter School | Dwight D. Eisenhower Charter School | The Travis Hill School at the Youth Study Center |
While the district’s overall school performance did increase, the newly released data underscores the need for local schools to improve their impact, especially among K-8 schools, where some schools did experience decline. Specifically, six schools dropped to a letter grade of “F” between the 2018 and 2019 school years. Schools that are rated “F” have already been visited by the administration, and district staff
will continue to monitor progress and assess what supports may be needed to help improve performance. Two schools previously rated “F” in 2018, Landry-Walker High School and Robert Russa Moton Charter School, did improve in 2019 to receive letter grades of “C” and “D” respectively.
“As a district, we must focus on retaining great teachers and supporting them in using high-quality instructional materials designed to help students meet the rigor of new state assessments and standards,” said Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. “My administration met with school leaders this fall to discuss how they can move forward given the testing results received this summer. Our joint goal is to improve academic achievement and together we are focused on ensuring our educators have the resources they need to help students thrive.”
Every year, schools and school systems in Louisiana receive report cards with school performance scores and corresponding A-F letter grades. The report cards, which can be viewed on the online Louisiana School Finder, communicate how well schools are preparing students for the next grade level by examining student performance measures, like how students score on state assessments, how many students are graduating each year or how many students are earning early college credit.
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ABOUT NOLA PUBLIC SCHOOLS:
NOLA Public Schools is the public school district for Orleans Parish, which includes the district’s elected school board, known as the Orleans Parish School Board and the district’s administration led by NOLA Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis Jr. NOLA Public Schools currently oversees 78 public schools. For more information, visit www.nolapublicschools.com. For updates, follow NOLA Public Schools on Facebook @NOLAPublicSchools, Instagram @nolaps and Twitter @NOLAPSchools.
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The following is a statement regarding anticipated traffic delays and late school arrivals that may occur due to the incident at the Hard Rock Hotel in downtown New Orleans. The statement should be attributed to NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis. Jr.:
“NOLA Public Schools would like to send its condolences to the families of the individuals impacted by the Hard Rock Hotel building collapse.
While emergency crews continue to work the scene, we want to remind families of the traffic restrictions around the site that will likely cause delays to and from our schools.
We would like to remind parents, students, and school staff who utilize public transportation to give themselves ample time during their morning and afternoon commutes.
NOLA-PS has also asked school leaders to be understanding of any late arrivals to school campuses due to potential delays.”
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NEW ORLEANS - (October 4, 2019) The New Orleans Recreation Development (NORD) Commission is partnering with NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) to enhance the sports and physical education programming of youth participants in Orleans Parish Schools.
The collaboration allows for NORD and NOLA-PS to form a collaborative sports league that will organize, facilitate and manage athletic games at NORD and NOLA-PS facilities.
The agreement includes all sports for girls and boys. Currently there are teams formed for the following sports: middle school tackle football, high school girl’s flag football, and middle school volleyball, and flag football.
“What this represents is a true partnership between NORD, NOLA Public Schools, and the Cantrell Administration. We are breaking down silos in order to build up our young people and help them to reach their full potential. Our NORD facilities and our schools are nexus centers of our communities. We are being more intentional and more holistic in our approach to providing services for our children by meeting them where they are. This is a step in the right direction, and there is much more to come,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell.
“We are thrilled to partner with OPSB, and Charter School Networks to offer a collaborative sports league for middle and high school students. The focus of the league is to ensure youth have an opportunity to participate in a variety of sports and physical education programming throughout the school year,” said NORD CEO Larry Barabino, Jr.
“This partnership is another way NORD is increasing its services and offerings to support students and families within our community”. “As part of our commitment to athletics in public schools, NOLA Public Schools has proudly partnered with NORD to launch a collaborative athletic league for our middle and high school students. We look forward to the first year of the NORD/NOLA-PS Collaborative Athletic league supporting the tradition of strong athletic programming in our schools,” said NOLA-PS Superintendent of Schools Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr.
The term of the agreement is for the 2019-2020 school year, and is renewable.
The next tackle football game in the league is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2019, at 5:30 p.m. between Einstein Charter and Goretti at Joe W. Brown Park, 5601 Read Blvd.
There are currently more than 600 students signed up to participate in tackle football, flag football and volleyball this fall.
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WHAT: On Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at 3 p.m., the Orleans Parish School Board will hold a public hearing to consider the following:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Article VII, Section 23 (B) and (C) of the Louisiana Constitution of 1974 and La. R.S. 47:1705(B) that a public hearing of the Orleans Parish School Board (the “School Board”), will be held at its regular meeting place at the Orleans Parish School Board Offices located at 2401 Westbend Pkwy., Room 1050, New Orleans, LA 70114 on November 19, 2019, at 3:00 p.m., to consider levying additional or increased millage rates without further voter approval or adopting the adjusted millage rate after reassessment and rolling forward to millage rates not to exceed the prior year’s maximum.
The estimated amount of tax revenues to be collected in the calendar year 2020 from the increased millage is $193,233,741 compared to the tax revenues of $166,974,799 to be collected for calendar year 2019. The increased tax revenues attributable to the millage increase are $26,258,942. The foregoing estimated revenues are composed of the Constitutional Millage and the following designated millages of the School Board: A (School Books, Materials, and Supplies), B (Discipline and Dropout Programs), C (Employee Salaries, Benefits, and Incentives), D (Air Conditioning, Asbestos Removal, and Facilities Maintenance), and Capital Repair Millage. The School Board intends to consider at the public hearing levying additional or increased millage rates without further voter approval.
As is customary when considering changes to a millage, the OPSB is providing this opportunity for the public to learn more about the proposed changes and provide feedback ahead of any action taken. Following the 3:00 p.m. public hearing, the OPSB will also hold a public, special board meeting to adopt 2020 millage rates.
WHEN: Tuesday, November 19, 2019
3:00 p.m. – Public Hearing
5:30 p.m. – Special Board Meeting to Adopt 2020 Millage Rates
WHERE: Orleans Parish School Board Offices 2401 Westbend Parkway, Room 1050 New Orleans, LA 70114
For additional information follow this link to view our Fiscal Year 2020 Adopted Consolidated Budget
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NEW ORLEANS – (September 26, 2019) - The following is a statement that was delivered to the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) by Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr., Superintendent of NOLA Public Schools (NOLAPS), at the Board Business Meeting on Thursday. Sept. 26th. The remarks are in reference to the investigation into the New Beginnings Schools Foundation (NBSF) grade changing issues that occurred at John F. Kennedy (JFK) High School:
“Tonight I would like to provide an update on John F. Kennedy High School, as I have prioritized monthly over the past several board meetings because I believe our community deserves to be informed about the status of the students who participated in the graduation at JFK for the 2018-2019 school year and our ongoing oversight of the work being done with current students.
Tonight I would like to share that a final report has been completed by NOLA public schools staff. The report summarizes our review of the incidents that occurred at JFK and subsequent actions taken by our administration in response. This report has also been shared with the state Office of Inspector General and the board president for New Beginnings Schools Foundation.
And while our review into this matter is complete given our authority and responsibilities, it should be mentioned the state inspector general is still in the process of conducting its own investigation.
In short, based upon information gathered and reviewed, our investigation into grade change allegations raised in February was ultimately inconclusive. However, a second grade change scheme was reported to OPSB in May. This second incident resulted in some students who participated in the 2018-2019 graduation at JFK not being certified.
These actions taken by JFK officials at the time resulted in:
1. Graduating seniors not being able to receive diplomas and transcripts in a timely manner,
2. Some students being required to take additional courses over the summer, and
3. Some students being required to take end of course exams during the summer, all in an effort to properly certify graduates.
Over the course of our review, the OPSB administration decided to seek revocation of new beginnings’ charter given the non-compliance uncovered. Almost simultaneously, the New Beginnings Schools Foundation (NBSF) charter board voted to surrender the charters for both John F. Kennedy at Lake Area High School and Pierre A. Capdau Charter School at Avery Alexander effective at the end of the 2019-2020 school year.
This outcome was an appropriate reaction and was accepted due to the fact that the staff who were involved in the non-compliance issues were no longer with the organization, and such a transition at the end of this school year would provide for a more stable, long-term transition for the students to a new operator. Additionally, this surrender allowed my team to focus our energies immediately upon the graduating class of 2019 and students returning for this school year.
Although this report summarizes the district’s review of facts and even though NBSF voted to surrender its charters, there is still an open notice of Non-compliance, Level 2 that is currently being monitored.
During the district’s review of grade changing allegations, OPSB also became aware of an allegation that the CEO for NBSF altered minutes from a NBSF board meeting which led to a transportation contract being awarded that may not have gone through the appropriate approval process. However, the allegation has not been confirmed to date.
In response to this concern, among other actions, our administration now monitors NBSF management and financial reports, we receive copies of all contracts issued and payments in excess of $10,000. And any outstanding compliance issues that are a part of the open notice of non-compliance will be addressed through our usual charter school accountability framework. Which includes assessing, tracking noncompliance notices, sharing those notices publicly at board meeting, and taking appropriate action.
At this time, our focus is twofold with regards to JFK: working to support students within the class of 2019 to resolve any outstanding academic issues and ensuring current JFK students are set up for success.
I’m happy to report that the new CEO of NBSF and current JFK staff have proven to be cooperative and committed to doing what is best for students through this transition, and I applaud their efforts. And I have also assigned my team members to schools, to offer support and be heavily engaged in daily operations at the school, including continued monitoring of student records for accuracy.
As for the class of 2019, I have a detailed update to share regarding those students specifically:
Of the 155 students who participated in the graduation at JFK for the 2018-2019 school year:
• Initially only 85 students were eligible to graduate in May
• Since then 52 more students were verified by LDOE including summer school completion and waivers approved for a total of 137 graduates.
That leaves 18 students. 14 of these students are in various stages:
• Some students are eligible for a waiver that needs to be submitted by NBSF
• Some are enrolled in high school
• A few students only need EOC exam
• Some students were previously enrolled in credit recovery, but the LDOE has identified issues that shall be reviewed and remedied
• While a few students are simply still enrolled in credit recovery
As for the remaining students - we are urgently and consistently reaching out to them. Our focus is these 18 students and ensuring that they can move forward in their journeys. And, I remain committed to supporting the current students at JFK as well as the staff to achieve great things this school year. Working together on behalf of our children is what NOLA Public Schools is truly about.
Moving forward, I fully expect to hear and report positive things about what students and staff will accomplish at JFK this year and beyond. Additionally, I want to share that our accountability team has been engaging with other high schools across the city and report that what happened at JFK is not, I repeat not, a widespread problem.
We are proud of our high schools and the work they are doing to help prepare our children for college, careers, and beyond. “
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ABOUT NOLA PUBLIC SCHOOLS: NOLA Public Schools is the public school district for Orleans Parish, which includes the district’s elected school board, known as the Orleans Parish School Board, and the district’s administration led by NOLA Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. NOLA Public Schools currently oversees 78 public schools, including 75 charter schools, three direct-operated schools and a school with two educational programs for students in secure-care facilities. For more information, visit www.nolapublicschools.com. For updates, follow NOLA Public Schools on Facebook @NOLAPublicSchools, Instagram @nolaps and Twitter @NOLAPSchools.
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