Superintendent celebrates student growth and unveils assistive-technology lending library

Dr. Fatima Fulmore, superintendent of Nola Public Schools, opened the board meeting by celebrating student achievement and district progress, presenting the district’s Portrait of a Graduate recognition and a new assistive-technology lending library.

"Our Portrait of a Graduate is our North Star," Fulmore said, introducing nine student honorees who were nominated by school staff for leadership, academic performance and service. LaTore Smith, executive director of LEA and Charter School Services, read brief synopses of each honoree and invited families to join the board for photographs.

Fulmore then introduced a short video titled "Meet King," which showed how an assistive-technology lending library at the district's Educational Service Agency (ESA) gives nonverbal students tools to communicate. The video narration noted that lightweight tablets, switches and specialized apps are being used in classrooms; the superintendent said Chief Student Support Officer Dr. Veil Guidry led a tour of the new space.

On student performance, Fulmore cited a recent education scorecard produced by university researchers and said Orleans Parish ranked near the 90th percentile nationally for reading and math growth from 2022 to 2025 and that, "Our students are learning at an average rate of 1.35 grade levels per year," which she framed as evidence of rapid improvement across the district.

Fulmore also highlighted end-of-year milestones, including multiple graduations across district schools and the Stay in School program’s car giveaway: 17-year-old Benjamin Vu, randomly selected from 49 eligible finalists for maintaining perfect attendance, received a 2026 Toyota Corolla LE and plans to study electrical engineering at LSU.

The superintendent concluded by thanking staff, school leaders and community partners for support and by urging continued attention to closing longstanding achievement gaps.