(New Orleans – July 11, 2022) — NOLA Public Schools' (NOLA-PS) Superintendent, Dr. Avis Williams, officially completed her first day as the new leader of the only all charter public school system in the nation. She made history as the first woman selected to serve as permanent superintendent in the District's 181 years.


"I am truly honored, humbled, and excited to be part of this historic day for NOLA Public Schools and will work hard to gain the trust of our families and the community," said Dr. Avis Williams. "My ultimate goal is to ensure our scholars have academic success that will lead to bright, successful futures."


"It was a historic and exciting day for our city as Dr. Williams took the helm and launched her 100 Days plan," said Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) President Olin Parker. "On behalf of the board, it was an honor to appoint her as first woman to serve as permanent superintendent in the District's 181 years. It's long overdue, and we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Avis Williams to our NOLA-PS family."


Dr. William spent her first day getting to know her central office staff and launching her 100 Days plan, which is designed to build a stronger future for our scholars and our parish.


"The plan is contingent upon community engagement, and it will only be possible if we work together," said Dr. Williams. "It centers around my 3 core values – equity, excellence, and joy, as well as District and board priorities. We'll be asking our school family and the community some key questions about what they believe needs to stop, start, and continue within our school system."


Twenty community engagement sessions, titled the ABC Tour (Dr. Avis' Beignets & Conversations), will be announced in the next two weeks and will help inform the 100 days plan. The "sweet conversations" will allow for Dr. Williams and school leaders, teachers, staff, scholars, families, and community members to dig deep and discuss some of the challenges our education system is facing.


Once the ABC Tour is complete, Dr. Williams will host 10 Solution Circles to identify some key issues and items that need to be worked on collaboratively, as well as implement problem solving solutions that will aid in resolving their root causes.


Dr. Williams comes into the role with more than 20 years as an educator serving as a teacher, a principal at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, and most recently as the superintendent for Selma City Schools in Alabama for the past 5 years. 

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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 72 public schools and is led by Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams, the first woman in the District's 180+ years to serve as its permanent superintendent.


For more information, visit www.nolapublicschools.com. For updates, follow NOLA Public Schools on Facebook @NOLAPublicSchools, Instagram @nolaps and Twitter @NOLAPSchools.