Superintendent highlights $16 million 9th Ward stadium project and modest LEAP gains

Dr. Fatima Fulmore, superintendent of NOLA Public Schools, opened the meeting with staff recognitions and a summer update, including an update on the 9th Ward stadium project. "Through strong public private partnerships, nearly $16,000,000 has been raised," Fulmore said, describing Raisin Cane's 9th Ward Stadium at LCMC Health Field as a modern facility slated to open in August 2027 that will serve multiple student activities.

Fulmore also reviewed district assessment outcomes from 2025–26 LEAP tests, saying districtwide mastery rose three percentage points and calling the gains meaningful but insufficient. "Our district wide mastery rate for students who are performing at mastery or above rose 3 percentage points," she said, and cited the specifics: English language arts mastery increased from 37% to 39% and math rose from 26% to 28%. Fulmore emphasized that while the improvements are real, a large share of students still need additional supports and that the district will continue targeted efforts to accelerate growth.