The Superintendent of
New Orleans Public Schools
The Orleans Parish School Board is accepting nominations and applications for the next Superintendent of New Orleans Public Schools (NOLA-PS or NOLA Public Schools). The Board is seeking an individual who will continue to build on the success of the current system while also leading the District forward through identifiable opportunities. The next Superintendent must share the Board’s commitment to putting the interests of students first and ensuring that each child is prepared for the opportunities of the 21st century. The Superintendent carries out administrative functions in accordance with the policies adopted by the Board, as well as state and federal law. The execution of all decisions made by the Board concerning the internal operation of the school system is delegated to the Superintendent. The Superintendent serves as the executive officer of the School District and secretary to the Board. Together, the seven-member Board, the Superintendent, and the District Office are responsible for setting standards for academic, organizational, and financial performance for all NOLA-PS charter schools, while respecting the autonomy of each school.
Today, NOLA-PS works to be the ‘good change’ in public education; works to overcome adversity; works to promote equity; and works to champion resilience to pursue the promise of quality education for all students. In this unique district, students can grow and learn to be well-prepared, engaging leaders in the community, in business, and in public life. NOLA-PS has immense pride in the many generations of its graduates who are making a difference in New Orleans and beyond.
Serving more than 45,000 students across 76 schools, New Orleans Public Schools is committed to doing what is best for all students. Leaders in the District believe in the importance of collaboration, soliciting input from all community members, and using their insights and perspectives to help all students achieve at the highest level. In return, families, civic leaders, and the business community deeply support the District, committed to working side-by-side with the Superintendent to create a positive learning environment where every student can succeed.
The Board seeks a dedicated professional who is committed to the success of the children and employees of New Orleans Public Schools. The next Superintendent will be a skilled listener and collaborator who values multiple perspectives while building ongoing partnerships with the Board, charter school leaders, parents, students, and community members. This individual will recognize that diversity, equity, and inclusion are foundational to the success of the NOLA Public Schools. The OPSB has articulated a desire to serve English language learners and students with exceptionalities better. Simultaneously developing, managing, and sustaining a system that prioritizes hiring and retaining diverse staff will be integral to success. The members of the Orleans Parish School Board have completed comprehensive anti-bias training as part of the search process and have adopted anti-racist policies--and expect similar commitments from the next superintendent.
The next Superintendent will be expected to build upon a robust, sustainable education system that can innovate and provide a quality education through challenging times such as a global pandemic or hurricane. Additionally, the unique portfolio of NOLA Public Schools will require an understanding of the organization and cultural structure of a charter system.
The incoming Superintendent must have the ability to work collaboratively with the Orleans Parish School Board and all other stakeholders to provide effective, positive leadership and serve as a visible and dedicated public school’s ambassador within the community. OPSB policy authorizes the Superintendent and the staff to make meaningful and lasting decisions without prior board approval. Therefore, the next Superintendent must be willing to make tough, evidence-based decisions and justify them to all interested stakeholders via demonstrated managerial expertise that addresses complex issues in a strategic, yet innovative manner.
Professional Competencies
The next Superintendent of New Orleans Public Schools should demonstrate the ability to:
Lead from a student-centered perspective that is grounded in equity;
Create and communicate a compelling vision to internal and external stakeholders to drive successful education outcomes;
Collaborate with community leaders, educators, elected representatives, students, District staff, and School Board members to develop comprehensive solutions to complex problems;
Manage and foster a decentralized district, establishing clear and consistent guidelines for autonomous site leaders;
Establish and execute anti-racist policies and initiatives;
Build a cohesive and creative team focused on the achievement of student academic, social, mental, emotional, and cultural well-being;
Support, encourage, and execute school- and district-level innovation;
Motivate administrators, teachers, staff, students, parents, and the community to improve life outcomes for all students;
Be a proactive, committed, and engaged leader in developing and setting educational goals that lead to high levels of achievement for all students;
Manage financial, facility, and human resources effectively and ensure work aligns with local, state, and national regulations;
Lead decisively, effectively, and collaboratively in times of crisis and/or natural disasters;
Understand charter school structure and create a collaborative vision for a portfolio of schools;
Recognize and understand how a school system fits within the community and be adept at building productive partnerships with community organizations, including post-secondary institutions, business partners, non-profits, advocacy groups, and local and state government agencies;
Cultivate trust and support effective governance with and among Board members;
Interpret and use District and school data effectively to achieve ambitious results;
Lead and manage district- and school-level change and improvements; and
Gather input from critical stakeholders, determine the appropriate paths forward, and make and support difficult decisions and/or changes in the face of competing demands and priorities.
Interpersonal Competencies
The next Superintendent of New Orleans Public Schools should possess:
A demonstrated commitment — backed by action and a proven track record — of taking meaningful action to support diversity, equity, and inclusion (e.g., addressing the distribution of resources to provide equitable education while collaborating with autonomous site leaders; diversifying, supporting, and retaining teaching and leadership staff; and collaborating with community advocates and philanthropists to build sustainable infrastructure and procedures);
A high level of emotional intelligence and the ability to build trust, overcome challenges, diffuse conflicts, empathize with stakeholders, and build positive and productive relationships;
Exceptional listening skills and the ability to synthesize varied perspectives and priorities into a unifying and compelling call to action;
An ability to collaborate within and across organizations, entities, and personalities;
A clear vision for managing the district’s portfolio and the mindset and competencies to execute on the vision;
Awareness of population growth patterns and ability to manage all facilities (vacant and in-service) with fiscal responsibility;
Nimble leadership that demonstrates an ability to quickly pivot to meet the needs of students, families, and school leaders;
The ability to build an innovative and dedicated team who are or want to be committed, sustained members of this unique community;
Visionary leadership intent on articulating and implementing innovative practices that move the district forward;
The ability to apply creative, innovative approaches to improving school accountability and performance;
Integrity, trustworthiness, humility, approachability, and empathy;
Highly effective communication skills, including a demonstrated commitment to regularly engaging in two-way communication with internal and external stakeholders by actively seeking varied perspectives and pursuing ongoing engagement;
The ability to make difficult decisions in the midst of strong advocacy that reflects conflicting perspectives and differing opinions;
A commitment to conducting all business in a transparent, ethical manner;
Demonstrated ability to remain current on all local, state, and federal law and policy and interest in leveraging all to the benefit of students and schools;
Knowledge of and success in implementing effective, evidence-based learning strategies for diverse learners;
A sense of humor;
A keen awareness on how to support and effectively communicate the rationale for decisions; and
Skill and experience building positive and highly productive relationships with all stakeholders, including the Board.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the field of education, public finance, management, public administration, or another related field from a college or university approved by the Department of Education and/or meaningful experience as a leader in the business, non-profit sector, and/or government sectors;
Demonstrated leadership experience supported by measurable accomplishments that will translate to increasing academic achievement for all students;
Knowledge of and appreciation for the unique history and culture of the New Orleans community and its school system; and
Demonstrated understanding of and/or experience working with charter schools.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience as a leader in a large organization or a school district of similar size, scope, and/or demographics with evidence of effective instructional or operational leadership;
Terminal degree in the field of education;
Experience as a teacher, building level leader, and/or district administrator with evidence of effective instructional or operational leadership.
How to Apply
Greenwood/Asher & Associates, LLC. is assisting NOLA Public Schools in this search. Applications and nominations are now being accepted. For a full application package, please include a cover letter, CV and list of five references. Inquiries, nominations and application materials should be directed to Greenwood/Asher and Associates, LLC. Submission of application materials as PDF attachments is strongly encouraged. This search is being conducted in accordance with Louisiana’s public records laws. Initial screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made.
Inquiries, nominations, and application materials should be directed to:
Betty Turner Asher, Founder, Greenwood/Asher & Associates
Vice President & Managing Partner, Kelly
bettyasher@greenwoodsearch.com
Susanne Griffin, Vice President & Managing Director susannegriffin@greenwoodsearch.com
David Presley, Senior Executive Search Consultant
davidpresley@greenwoodsearch.com
Jane Drennan, Senior Executive Search Consultant