Orleans Parish School Board
The Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) serves as the governing body for public education in New Orleans, Louisiana. Established in 1841, the board has navigated a complex history of systemic challenges, natural disasters, and radical structural reorganizations to shape the current educational landscape of the city.
Today, the OPSB oversees a diverse network of schools, maintaining ownership of the system's assets and buildings while utilizing a predominantly charter-based model to deliver education to thousands of students across the parish.
Key Facts
- Established: 1841
- Current Governance: Governs 67 of 74 public schools in Orleans Parish (2024-25 school year).
- Student Population: Approximately 15,500 students (excluding RSD and BESE-chartered schools).
- School Composition: Includes 65 charter schools operated by 31 non-profit organizations and one direct-run school, The Leah Chase School.
- Leadership: Led by President Katherine Baudouin, Vice-president Leila Jacobs Eames, and Superintendent Fateama Fulmore.
Historical Evolution and the Impact of Hurricane Katrina
Prior to 2005, the New Orleans Public Schools (NOPS) system was wholly controlled by the OPSB and served roughly 65,000 students. However, the system struggled with performance; researchers Carl L. Bankston and Stephen J. Caldas noted that only 12 of 103 public schools showed reasonably good performance at the start of the 21st century.
The trajectory of the district changed abruptly on August 29, 2005, when Hurricane Katrina devastated the city, damaging or destroying over 100 of the district's 128 buildings. In the aftermath, the Louisiana Legislature intervened as local leadership struggled to respond. In November 2005, 102 of the city's lowest-performing schools were transferred to the Recovery School District (RSD), a state-operated entity designed to take over failing schools.
This transition shifted the system toward school choice and decentralization. Power moved from a central bureaucracy to individual principals and charter boards. Charter schools operate under renewable contracts, allowing the state to close institutions that fail to meet performance standards.
Reunification and Modern Governance
After years of divided control between the OPSB and the RSD, the Louisiana State Legislature passed Senate Bill 432 in May 2016. This legislation mandated that all public schools in New Orleans be returned to the governance of the OPSB by July 1, 2018, effectively reunifying the city's public education system.
Public opinion on this shift has been varied. A 2009 Tulane University survey indicated strong approval for the charter system among parents and voters, with 85% of surveyed parents reporting they could enroll their children in their preferred school.
Curriculum and Academic Standards
All public schools in New Orleans, including charters, must adhere to the Louisiana state academic content standards. Student progress is measured via the Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP), which tests students in grades 3 through 8 in English, mathematics, science, and social studies.
Recent data from the 2024–25 LEAP assessments show that 37% of students scored at "mastery" or above in English, 24% in mathematics, and 23% in science. The state continues to refine these standards, with a 2025 review focusing on foundational mathematics and phonics.
The district also offers various specialty programs, including Montessori instruction and French immersion at institutions such as the International School of Louisiana and Lycée Français de la Nouvelle-Orléans.
Social History and Desegregation
The OPSB's history is also marked by the struggle for racial equality. In the late 1950s, Dorothy Mae Taylor organized marches to demand equal resources for Black children. These efforts eventually led to increased funding for historically Black schools and aligned with the broader national push for desegregation following the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Additionally, the curriculum has reflected the city's cultural shifts. German language instruction was introduced in 1910, discontinued during World War I in 1918, reintroduced in 1931, and finally removed in 1938 at the onset of World War II.
District Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | 2401 Westbend Parkway, New Orleans, LA 70114 |
| District Type | Public |
| Grade Range | PK - 12 |
| Total Schools Governed | 67 (as of 2024-25) |
| Primary Model | Charter-based (65 Charter Schools) |
| NCES District ID | 2201170 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between OPSB and RSD?
The Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) is the local governing body for the parish. The Recovery School District (RSD) is a state-operated entity created by the Louisiana Department of Education to manage failing schools. While most schools returned to OPSB governance by 2018, the RSD played a pivotal role in the city's shift to a charter-based system after Hurricane Katrina.
How are charter schools held accountable in New Orleans?
Accountability is managed through renewable operating contracts. The Louisiana Department of Education issues annual School Performance Scores based on LEAP assessments and other metrics, which are then used to decide whether a charter school's contract will be renewed.
What is the LEAP assessment?
The Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP) is the state's annual standardized testing program. It evaluates students in grades 3 through 8 in core subjects including English, mathematics, science, and social studies.
Does the OPSB still run any schools directly?
Yes, although the vast majority of schools are charters, the OPSB currently governs one direct-run school: The Leah Chase School.
What specialty educational programs are available in the district?
The district offers several specialty options, including French immersion, Montessori instruction, and International Baccalaureate-style coursework across various chartered institutions.