On March 18, 2015, Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. became one of the youngest superintendents ever in the 180-year history of New Orleans public schools. With almost 25 years of educational experience as a teacher, mentor, assistant principal, instructional coach, curriculum expert, principal, and school district leader, Superintendent Lewis brings a unique, classroom focused perspective to the table. Dr. Lewis has been at the helm of NOLA PS for six years, overseeing the historic 2018 reunification of New Orleans public schools with those schools run by the State of Louisiana. Throughout his tenure, he has not wavered from his mission as a citywide regulator of schools, a protector of family and student rights, and a thoughtful steward of public resources. Thanks to his team and his leadership, New Orleans’ community of schools is better structured today than ever before. Our kids are learning and in 2019, nearly 80% of district schools scored an ‘A’ or ‘B’ for progress1. But he will be the first to point out that the work is not finished, and much more must be done to support every child, every day. Before leading New Orleans’ school district, Dr. Lewis was a celebrated superintendent for East Feliciana Parish, which is just north of Baton Rouge. Under his leadership, the district was recognized by the Louisiana Department of Education as 2nd in the state for elementary student academic growth. Prior to becoming superintendent in East Feliciana, Dr. Lewis worked for the Algiers Charter Schools Association for six years, serving as the founding principal at Algiers Technology Academy. He taught for seven years at neighboring St. Bernard Parish Public Schools and represented District 9 on the St. Bernard Parish Public School Board for 11 years.
He brought all his experience to bear this year, building partnerships, using data to drive decisions, and leading NOLA Public Schools through the COVID-19 pandemic. That work has helped NOLA PS lead the way nationally when it came to reopening schools, gaining access to COVID testing, and securing access to vaccines for teachers and staff. His quick work in March of 2019 led to the commitment of $5 million to support schools at the start of the pandemic, delivering thousands of laptops and hotspots to New Orleans families.
Honors and Awards
Superintendent of NOLA Public Schools
Dr. Lewis’ tenure as Superintendent in New Orleans has been very consequential and largely defined by the historic, unprecedented return to local control of about sixty (~60) charter schools formerly overseen by the State of Louisiana. But unification of New Orleans public schools under the local control of the OPSB is just part of how Dr. Lewis has fundamentally transformed the district.
Indeed, the role of the district has changed, but has a no less important job as a citywide regulator of schools, a protector of family and student rights, and a thoughtful steward of public resources.
Furthermore, New Orleans’ system of schools is better structured today than ever before. Our kids are learning and in 2018, nearly 80% of district schools scored an ‘A’ or ‘B’ for progress1. But still, too many of our children are not receiving the educational supports and services they need to succeed in school and life.
Notable Accomplishments
As can be seen below, New Orleans public schools have come a long way, but there is still a very long way to go.
| OPSB March, 2015 | OPSB March, 2019 | |
|---|---|---|
| Local Control | Most schools under RSD | Unified under local control2 |
| Leadership | 2+ years with interim supt. | 4 years of stability/success3,4 |
| # of Schools | ~20 schools overseen/operated | ~80 schools being overseen5 |
| District Office Culture | Siloed divisions w/ limited all-staff collaboration | Service oriented culture emphasizing collaboration6 |
| Public Engagement | Little systematic engagement with public/media/stakeholders | Robust social media, press, & public engagement7 |
| Supt Advisory Councils | Limited systematic stakeholder voice in decision making | 3 standing councils review plans & advise on issues8 |
| Budget and Finance | Budget opaque | More transparency9, monthly public reporting10, AA- credit11, |
| Transparency | Limited online resources; difficult to search for public info | Implemented BoardDocs12 & created online, public records portal13 |
| Per Pupil $ Equity | Non-differentiated $ formula for special needs students | 5-tier formula; more $ follows students w/ special needs14 |
| Accountability & Supports | Siloed school accountability & support efforts | Integrated and expanded accountability & supports,15,16 |
| Juvenile Justice | Schools at YSC & OJC inadequate/non-compliant | New Travis Hill Schools have great results17 |
| Facilities | Major school buildings offline | Major buildings back online18 |
| Board Room | Meetings at Mc35, w/ committees at central office | Modern, permanent board room at central office19 |
| Classroom Funding | Stagnated classroom funding | $10 Million in increased funding for classrooms20 |
1
Orleans Parish Schools Continue to Progress
2 Unification of Schools: All unification milestones were met over a two-year period 3 Orleans school board showing leadership 4 How New Orleans’s Unique School System Is Working for Our Students, Families & Neighborhoods and Reclaiming the Future for Our City 6 Monthly all staff working sessions, monthly birthday celebrations, additional daily coordination/collaboration 7 Monthly newsletters are now provided to the public and the district has rapidly increased social media followers. Increased followers on Twitter by 925% (from ~200 to ~2050), doubled active users on Facebook, increased followers on Instagram from 0 to ~1500. In addition, high profile op-eds from Dr. Lewis and the board have appeared in The Advocate, The Times-Picayune, and elsewhere. The district also had a very successful unification media campaign with significant coverage. Also, regular newsletters have also been going out to a broader mailing list, which includes top education leaders, community members, city leadership and charter board members. And finally, to engage another mostly older, education focused audience who watches public access TV, we have also rapidly expanded the offerings on OPSB’s Channel 8, regularly covering events, while also creating pipelines for charter schools so they can upload photos and videos. 8 Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council, Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council. 9 OPSB Proposed 2019 Consolidated Budget 10 Presentations on budgeted v. actual spending: see Budget and Finance Committee agendas 11 S&P Global Raises Orleans Parish School Board's Rating; Reports Financial Outlooks Are 'Stable' 13 OPSB Public Records Request 14 New Orleans has opportunity to lead the way for students with disabilities 15 Departments dedicated to Equity & Compliance and School Support & Improvement 16 Newly Unified OPSB Hires Director of Charter Board Compliance 18 Ribbon cuttings since March, 2015 - McDonogh 35, Carver HS, MLK High School, Lake Forest, Morial, Abramson, Abrams, Livingston, Habans, Sherwood Forest, Bradley, Dunbar… with more to come including Karr and Booker T. Washington 19 Everett Williams Board Room dedication held on June 7th, 2018
